Savanna Hoffman
International students have a lot to consider when deciding to take a semester off, as it could impact their student status and future eligibility for work permits. F-1 students in the US, for example, must be enrolled full-time during the academic year and are not permitted to take a semester off while remaining in the country. International students in Canada can maintain their student status and stay in the country for up to 150 days without taking action, but beyond that must meet certain requirements. Students should consult their institution's international student services and advisors to understand the specific rules and processes for taking a semester off, including any necessary documentation, visa implications, and eligibility to return to their academic program.
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What You'll Learn
F-1 students must be enrolled full-time
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa are required by immigration law to be enrolled full-time during the regular semesters (fall and spring). Summer and winter session enrollment is optional unless you plan to complete your academic program during the summer, in which case full-time enrollment rules apply. F-1 students must be continuously enrolled on a full-time basis throughout their academic year until they complete their studies.
There are, however, some exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirements. For instance, graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of nine credits per semester, but if they have a full-time graduate assistantship, this counts as five credits, and they will only need a minimum of four additional credits. Undergraduate students, on the other hand, are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
In some cases, a reduced course load (RCL) can be approved during the semester if you need to drop a class. These rules are strict, and exceptions are limited. To be approved for an RCL, you may need to provide a note from your doctor indicating their recommendation that you do not study full-time based on a medical situation, including mental health conditions.
If F-1 students need to take a break from their studies, they can apply for an immigration Leave of Absence (LOA). An LOA allows an F1 student to take time off from their academic program. During an LOA, your SEVIS record is terminated, and you must leave the US. When you are ready to return, your record is reactivated, and you regain your status. To be eligible for an LOA, you must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (two semesters) prior. For visa purposes, F1 students taking an LOA for more than five months of academic time will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa.
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LOA: Leave of Absence
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa are required by immigration law to be enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study. A Leave of Absence (LOA) allows F1 students to take time off from their academic program. During an LOA, an F1 student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they must leave the US. When they are ready to return, their record is reactivated, and they can continue their studies.
To be eligible for an LOA, an F1 student must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (2 semesters) before applying. Students are advised not to take an LOA longer than one semester. For visa purposes, F1 students that take an LOA for more than 5 months of academic time will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa. Summer or December vacation time does not factor into this 5-month time limit. If a student's leave of absence is for more than 5 months, they will not be eligible for CPT or OPT based on their previous time as an F1 student. They will need to complete another academic year before becoming eligible for CPT or OPT again.
To apply for an LOA, students must submit a Leave of Absence Request Form at least two weeks before their leave. If a student is taking a semester off for internships or study abroad, they should select 'Planned Professional Leave'. If they are taking a semester off for personal reasons, they should select 'Personal Leave'. Students must also ensure that they do not have any holds on their student account and that they have paid off any balance owed to the university before they will be eligible to return.
If a student will be gone for fewer than 5 months and plans to return on the same SEVIS record and I-20, they should log in to Truview and contact their advisor to ensure their account is up-to-date and that they can enrol in classes. If a student will be gone for more than 5 months and will return on a new SEVIS record, they must re-apply to the university by submitting an online application and selecting 'Re-applicant'.
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SEVIS record termination
A SEVIS record termination could occur for several reasons. Firstly, if an international student on an F or M visa elects to discontinue their studies, their SEVIS record will be terminated for the reason of authorized early withdrawal. In such cases, the student will not be admitted into the United States with the Form I-20 issued by their school or a visa issued for them to enroll. If they still wish to pursue studies in the US, they must apply to another SEVP-certified school.
Secondly, designated school officials (DSOs) typically terminate F-1/M-1 students and/or F-2/M-2 dependents who do not maintain their status. However, termination by a DSO is not always negative, and records can be terminated for various normal, administrative reasons. For instance, a DSO may terminate an F-2 or M-2 record independently of the primary F-1 or M-1 student.
Additionally, a student's SEVIS record will be terminated if they fail to maintain their status by not completing certain actions within a specified time frame. Students in this situation who wish to continue their studies in the US must transfer to another SEVP-certified school.
It's important to note that if a student's SEVIS record is terminated, they will lose all on-and/or off-campus employment authorization and will not be able to re-enter the United States using the terminated SEVIS record. To regain their student status, they may need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again and take other corrective actions, such as requesting reinstatement or creating a new Form I-20.
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Visa requirements for international students
To study in the United States as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on the course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. The two most common student visas are F-1 and M-1.
F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. F-1 students must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study. A Leave of Absence (LOA) allows F1 students to take time off from their academic program. However, they cannot take a semester off and remain in the US. During an LOA, your SEVIS record is terminated, and you must leave the US. If your leave is for a medical reason, you can be authorized for a reduced course load, and your SEVIS record will remain active, allowing you to stay in the US.
M-1 visas, on the other hand, are for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies. M-1 visa holders are also required to be enrolled full-time and must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies.
Additionally, there is the J-1 exchange visitor visa, which is for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.
When applying for a student visa, you must schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and provide various documents, including proof of enrollment in an approved school, proof of financial support, and a valid passport. It is important to start the visa application process early, as wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category.
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Reasons for taking a break from studies
International students in the United States with an F-1 or J-1 visa must be enrolled full-time during the academic year until their program is completed. They are not allowed to take a semester off and remain in the US. However, they can apply for a Leave of Absence (LOA) to take time off from their studies. During an LOA, their SEVIS record is terminated, and they cannot stay in the country. To return, their record must be reactivated, and they may need to re-apply for their visa.
Taking a break from studies can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it can improve productivity, concentration, energy, and creativity. Taking regular breaks can help prevent a significant decrease in academic performance and potential health issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Additionally, purposeful breaks that involve physical activity, meditation, social interaction, or creative pursuits can effectively reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Breaks can provide a change of scenery and allow students to reconnect with nature, which can be beneficial for mental health. Social interaction during breaks can help break the monotony of quiet studying and provide a refreshing distraction. Physical activity, such as a short walk or indoor exercise, can boost energy and reduce anxiety. Meditation and mindfulness practices are also effective tools to lower anxiety and improve personal health.
It is important to schedule breaks appropriately. Short breaks of 15 minutes every 50 to 90 minutes can be beneficial, as the brain can only focus for a maximum of 90 minutes at a time due to the ultradian rhythm. Sticking to a consistent break schedule helps maintain productivity. Additionally, it is beneficial to time breaks to prevent losing track of time and ensure a timely return to studying.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students may not skip a semester and remain in the US. F-1 students must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study.
You must make an appointment with the International Student Advisor in order to take a semester off. You will also need to apply for an official Leave of Absence from the University.
Your SEVIS record will be terminated until you are ready to return. When you are ready to return your record will be reactivated.
You must take action before the 150-day period is over. This applies even if you have an authorized leave of absence that is longer than 150 days.
