International Students: Taking A Semester Off?

International students may need to take a semester off from their studies for a variety of reasons, including mandatory military service, family emergencies, financial challenges, or personal reasons. While taking a break from studies is possible, international students must be aware of the implications this may have on their immigration status and visa. In the United States, F-1 students must be enrolled full-time during the academic year, and taking a semester off may result in the termination of their I-20 and F-1 immigration records, requiring them to depart the country within 15 days. Similar consequences may occur for international students in Canada, who are expected to be full-time students and can only work a limited number of hours per week.

Can an international student take a semester off?

International students in the US must depart within 15 days of unenrolling

International students in the US on an F-1 visa must be enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. If an international student withdraws from classes or takes a semester off, they must depart the US within 15 days of unenrolling. This is because their I-20 and F-1 immigration record will be terminated and no longer valid for entry into the US.

To take a semester off, international students must first make an appointment with the International Student Advisor and submit a Leave of Absence request. They must also apply for an official Leave of Absence from the University. If the leave is for more than five months, students will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa, and they will not be eligible for CPT or OPT for another year. Students should also be aware that they will not be able to work during this time.

When planning to return to the US, students must ensure that their visa is still valid and that they have a valid travel signature on page 2 of their I-20. They can only return to the US within 30 days of the start of the next semester. The process can take 1-4 weeks, so it is important to start this process well in advance. Students should also be aware that they may need to pay a new I-901 fee and acquire a new visa.

International students should carefully consider their options and the implications for their immigration status before deciding to take a semester off. It is important to start the process early and seek advice from the relevant university departments to ensure a smooth transition.

Students must apply for an immigration Leave of Absence if not eligible for an enrollment exception

International students on an F-1 visa are required to be enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. However, there are valid reasons why a student may need to take a break from their studies, such as mandatory military service, family emergencies, or financial challenges. In such cases, if you are not eligible for an enrollment exception or vacation quarter, you will need to apply for an immigration Leave of Absence.

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a voluntary process that allows students to take time off from their studies without losing their eligibility to return to school at a later date. It is important to note that a Leave of Absence is not the same as a suspension or expulsion. If you are an international student considering a Leave of Absence, you must notify the International Center or Advisor before withdrawing or stopping your studies. You will also need to submit the Immigration Leave of Absence Form to the relevant office, usually the Center for International Students (CIS) or International Student Services (ISS), at least two weeks before you plan to leave.

The length of your Leave of Absence will determine the process of your return, and it is important to start this process well in advance of your intended return date. If you are outside of the United States for five months or fewer, it may be possible to return on the same Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) record. However, if you are outside the United States for more than five months, you will need to apply for a new I-20, pay a new I-901 fee, acquire a new visa, and enter the US as a new student on an initial SEVIS record. This will also affect your eligibility for benefits such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

It is important to carefully consider the implications of taking a Leave of Absence on your immigration status, academic progress, and benefits. Consult with your academic department or adviser, and stay in contact with your International Student Advisor to ensure the proper maintenance of your immigration status.

F-1 students must be enrolled full-time continuously until the completion of their studies

International students in the United States on an F-1 visa must be enrolled full-time continuously during the academic year until they complete their studies. This means that F-1 students cannot take a semester off and remain in the US. However, they can apply for an immigration Leave of Absence (LOA) if they need to take a break from their studies. An LOA allows F-1 students to remain in the US without taking classes for a period of up to five months. To apply for an LOA, students must submit a request to the International Student Advisor and, in some cases, the Registrar's office. The process can take up to four weeks, and students must depart the US within 15 days of their last day of enrollment.

It is important to note that choosing not to enroll in classes for a semester can have implications for F-1 students' visas and benefits such as CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training). For example, if F-1 students take a LOA for more than five months of academic time, they will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa, and they will not be eligible for CPT or OPT for another year. Additionally, F-1 students who withdraw from classes without approval may have their I-20 and F-1 immigration records terminated, and their reason for termination listed as "Authorized Early Withdrawal."

To maintain their F-1 status while on an LOA, students must ensure that they do not take a break longer than one semester or five months. They should also plan their leave so that they can return to the US within 30 days of the start of the next semester. Students should also be aware that they will not be authorized to work on-campus or through CPT during their LOA.

In summary, while F-1 students must be enrolled full-time continuously during the academic year, they can take a break from their studies by applying for an immigration Leave of Absence. This allows them to remain in the US temporarily without taking classes, but it is important to carefully consider the implications for their visa status and benefits before doing so.

International students in the US cannot be authorised to work during an official school leave

International students in the US on an F-1 visa must be enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. They are not permitted to take a semester off and remain in the US. If an international student wishes to take a semester off, they must depart the US within 15 days of the beginning of the semester.

If an international student on an F-1 visa wishes to take a leave of absence (LOA) and remain in the US, they must enrol in a reduced course load with appropriate documentation for allowable reasons, such as medical or academic issues. However, this does not apply to students with medical conditions who are not enrolled in any classes.

F-1 students can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and up to 40 hours per week during holidays and vacation periods if they intend to register for the next academic semester. On-campus employment does not require USCIS approval, but many schools require permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment. F-1 students can also work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree, but this requires prior authorisation from USCIS and the school's International Student Office.

Students must consult the Registrar's office and their student accounts to understand refund policies

International students on an F-1 visa in the US are required to be enrolled full-time during the academic year. However, they can take a leave of absence (LOA) for a variety of reasons, including internships, study abroad, or personal reasons. To do so, they must follow specific procedures, including consulting with the International Student Advisor and submitting the necessary forms.

When considering taking a semester off, international students must be mindful of the financial implications and refund policies. Students must consult the Registrar's office and their student accounts to understand these policies. The Registrar's office maintains student financial records and can provide information on tuition fees, outstanding balances, and refund policies. Students should ensure they understand the financial consequences of withdrawing from classes, including any liability for collection fees.

At some universities, students must complete a Request for Leave of Absence Form and submit it to the relevant office, such as the CIS office or the International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS) Office, before taking a semester off. Students should also be aware of the impact on their visa status. For example, F1 students who take a LOA for more than five months of academic time will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa. Additionally, they will not be eligible for OPT or CPT for another year.

To be eligible to register for subsequent semesters, students must ensure their accounts have a zero balance. Students with outstanding balances may be referred to third-party agents for collections and may be liable for associated collection fees. Students should also be aware of any payments or fees associated with taking a semester off, such as the I-901 fee for a new visa.

It is important to note that the specific policies and procedures may vary depending on the university and the student's individual circumstances. Therefore, students must carefully review the information provided by their university and consult with the relevant offices, including the Registrar's office and their student accounts office, to understand the financial implications and refund policies before taking a semester off.

Frequently asked questions