International Students: Can You Take A Semester Off?

International students may need to take time off from their studies for various reasons, including health, family emergencies, or other personal reasons. While taking a semester off is an option, there are important considerations for international students, particularly regarding their visa status and eligibility to remain in the host country during their leave. In the United States, F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment and can only take a leave of absence (LOA) under specific conditions, while in Canada, international students can maintain their student status and stay in the country for up to 150 days without immediate action. Understanding the specific policies and procedures of the host country is crucial for international students considering a gap semester.

Can an international student take a gap semester off?

International students in the US cannot take a semester off and remain in the country

International students in the US on an F-1 visa must be continuously 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 country. If an F-1 student withdraws from classes, they must depart the US within 15 days. Students who withdraw early in the semester may be eligible for a full refund.

Students who take a leave of absence (LOA) will have their SEVIS record terminated and will not be allowed to remain in the US during their leave. Students with an F-1 visa who wish to take a break from their studies can submit a Leave of Absence request through their MyISSS portal. Once the request is approved, they will have 15 days to depart the US.

International students on an F-1 visa who are considering taking a semester off for medical reasons may be authorized for a reduced course load. In this case, their SEVIS record will remain active, and they will be allowed to stay in the US. Students who take time off for internships or study abroad will need to select 'Planned Professional Leave' when applying for their leave. Those taking time off for personal reasons will need to select 'Personal Leave'.

Students who leave the US with an outstanding balance on their tuition, fees, or loans will need to pay off their balance before their SEVIS record is reactivated or a new I-20 is issued. Students who return to the US from a leave of absence are not allowed to enter more than 30 days before classes begin, even if their visa is still valid.

Students must depart the US within 15 days of withdrawing from classes

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. However, a Leave of Absence (LOA) allows F1 students to take time off from their academic program. To be eligible for an LOA, you must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (2 semesters).

If you withdraw from classes, you must depart the US within 15 days. This is because, once your LOA is approved, your I-20 and F-1 immigration record will be terminated, and you will no longer be authorized to work on campus or through any other F-1 authorization. You will need to enter the US under another immigration status, such as B status.

If you are on probation, you must consider how withdrawing from classes will affect your GPA. If your academic standing goes from "probation" to "suspended" after you withdraw and leave the US, you may not be allowed to return to the university without an appeal approved by the Academic Standards Committee.

If you are taking a leave of fewer than 5 months, your F-1 status can usually be reactivated by SEVP. If you are gone for more than 5 months, you will need a new I-20, a new I-901 fee paid, a new visa acquired, and you must enter the US as a new student on an initial SEVIS record. You will not be eligible for OPT or CPT for another year.

Students must apply for a new I-20 and visa if their leave is longer than 5 months

International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to take a leave of absence for up to 5 months without having to apply for a new I-20 and visa. However, if their leave extends beyond 5 months, they will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa to re-enter the country and resume their studies.

The I-20 form, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is a crucial document for international students studying in the US. It certifies that a student has been admitted to a school and has demonstrated the necessary financial resources to cover their educational and living expenses. The I-20 form is required to obtain an F-1 student visa, which allows international students to legally remain in the US for the duration of their academic program.

When an international student decides to take a gap semester or leave of absence, they must carefully consider the duration of their leave. If they plan to be away for more than 5 months, they should be aware of the visa implications. While they may be able to remain in the US for up to 60 days without being enrolled in a full-time academic program, their visa status may be affected if they intend to stay longer.

To maintain their visa status and re-enter the US as a student, international students taking a gap semester longer than 5 months will need to obtain a new I-20 form and apply for a new student visa. This process involves careful planning and consultation with the university's international student office to ensure that all requirements are met. Additionally, students should be mindful of any outstanding tuition, fees, or loans, as these may impact their ability to re-enroll and maintain their visa status.

In summary, while international students in the US can take a gap semester or leave of absence, those considering an extended break of more than 5 months should be prepared to apply for a new I-20 and visa to ensure their re-entry and compliance with visa regulations. Consulting with the appropriate university offices and planning their leave accordingly can help ensure a smooth transition back to their academic pursuits.

Students cannot work on-campus or through CPT during their leave

International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to take a leave of absence for up to 5 months. However, they cannot remain in the US for more than 60 days if they are not enrolled in a full-time academic program. This means that if an international student takes a gap semester off, they will have to leave the country and may not work on-campus or through CPT during their leave.

CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is a form of employment authorization that allows international students in the US to gain practical experience in their field of study. To be eligible for CPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and must be enrolled in the current semester. Additionally, CPT is intended to be an integral part of the student's curriculum, meaning that it must be directly related to their major field of study and count towards their degree credits.

During a leave of absence, international students are not considered enrolled and therefore do not meet the requirements for CPT authorization. This means that they cannot use CPT to work in the US during their gap semester. Working on-campus is also not allowed during a leave of absence, as this type of employment is typically reserved for enrolled students who are authorized to work a limited number of hours per week while they are studying.

It is important to note that international students who take a gap semester off and remain outside of the US for more than 5 months may need to apply for a new student visa when they return. This could impact their ability to get CPT authorization in the future, as CPT is typically only granted to students who have completed at least two semesters and who are in good academic standing.

Furthermore, international students should be aware that taking a gap semester off can have other consequences. For example, they may need to pay off any outstanding tuition, fees, or loans before being allowed to re-enroll, and they may not receive a full refund for the semester they withdrew from. Additionally, if they are on probation, they will continue to be on probation during their first semester back, and they may need to have a signed contract or an approved appeal on file before being allowed to re-enroll.

Students must consult the Registrar's office and their academic adviser before withdrawing

International students must consult the Registrar's Office and their academic adviser before withdrawing from their courses or taking a leave of absence. The process can be complex, and there are several important considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, international students on F-1 visas must be enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs. A Leave of Absence (LOA) allows F-1 students to take a break from their studies for various reasons, including mandatory military service, family emergencies, or financial challenges. However, choosing not to enrol in classes for a semester is not an option for students with medical conditions.

If you are considering taking a semester off, you must submit a Leave of Absence request through the appropriate office, such as the International Student Services (ISS) or the Center for International Students. This request should be made well in advance, as the process can take up to four weeks, and failure to reactivate your record before travelling can result in refused entry into the US. It is important to note that international students may not take a semester off and remain in the US. If you withdraw from classes or take a leave of absence, you must depart the US within 15 days.

Additionally, there may be visa implications to consider when taking a leave of absence. For example, F-1 students who take a LOA for more than five months of academic time will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa. During the LOA, you will not be able to use your I-20 and F-1 visa to enter the US and will need to do so under another immigration status. Furthermore, you will not be eligible for work authorization during your official school leave.

Before making any decisions, it is crucial to consult with the Registrar's Office and your academic adviser to understand the specific requirements and implications for your individual situation. They can provide guidance on the necessary documentation, fees, and timeline for taking a leave of absence or withdrawing from your courses.

Frequently asked questions