Lana Oconnell
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa must be enrolled full-time during the academic year until their program is completed. However, they may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) for a variety of reasons, including medical or academic. Students must meet specific requirements and adhere to strict timelines when requesting and returning from an LOA. Taking a semester off can have implications for visa status, work authorization, and re-entry into the US, so it is important for international students to carefully consider their options and seek appropriate approvals before making any decisions.
Can an international student take a gap semester off?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| F-1 students in the US must be enrolled | Continuously full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study |
| F-1 students can take a break | Through a Leave of Absence (LOA) |
| LOA conditions | Must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (2 semesters) |
| SEVIS record during LOA | Terminated until reactivation upon return |
| LOA duration | Advisable to not exceed one semester (5 months) |
| LOA and work authorization | Not authorized to work on-campus or through CPT |
| LOA and visa | Need to apply for a new I-20 and visa for LOA exceeding 5 months |
| LOA and travel to the US | Need to enter under another immigration status such as B status |
| Return to the US after LOA | Not allowed to enter more than 30 days before classes begin |
| Return to the US after LOA | Need to ensure valid travel signature on I-20 |
| Return to the US after LOA | Reactivation process can take 1-4 weeks |
| Return to the US after LOA | Failure to reactivate the record will result in refused entry |
| Return to the US after LOA | Must return within 30 days of the start of the next semester |
| Gap year for international students | Recommended to improve extracurriculars (ECs) and life skills |
| Gap year activities | Community service, work experience, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US must be enrolled full-time
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. This means that F-1 students cannot take a gap semester off and remain in the US. However, they can take a leave of absence (LOA) for up to 5 months, during which their SEVIS record will be terminated. To take an LOA, students must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year (2 semesters) and submit an Immigration Leave of Absence Form to the CIS office at least two weeks before leaving.
During an LOA, students are not allowed to remain in the US and must leave the country within 15 days of the beginning of the semester. If a student wishes to return to the US after their LOA, they must do so within 30 days of the start of the next semester and ensure that their SEVIS record is reactivated before travelling. Failure to reactivate the record will result in refused entry into the US.
It is important to note that students who owe money may not be able to re-enroll after an LOA until they have paid off their outstanding balance. Students with extenuating circumstances may appeal for a larger refund by submitting an "Enrollment Fees Appeal Form" with supporting documentation.
Additionally, if a student decides to withdraw from classes, they should consult with the Registrar's office and their academic advisor to discuss the effects of their absence on their course sequence and the length of their program. Students on probation should also be aware that they will continue on probation during their first semester back.
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A leave of absence (LOA) allows time off
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their programs of study. However, a Leave of Absence (LOA) allows F1 students to take time off from their academic program. During an LOA, your SEVIS record is terminated until you are ready to return, at which point it is reactivated, and you regain your status.
To be eligible for an LOA, you must have been in F1 status for at least one full academic year (2 semesters). If your leave is for a medical reason, you can be authorized for a reduced course load based on medical conditions, and your SEVIS record will remain active, allowing you to stay in the US. For other reasons, if your SEVIS record is terminated, you cannot remain in the U.S. during your leave and must leave the country within 15 days.
When you are ready to return, you must submit a request to the SEVP. The process can take 1 to 4 weeks, and it is important to start this process well in advance of your return. Failing to reactivate your record before your travel will result in being refused entry into the US. You can only return within 30 days of the start of the next semester.
Additionally, if your leave of absence is for more than 5 months of academic time, you will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa. You will also not be eligible for CPT or OPT based on your previous time as an F1 student. You will need to complete another academic year before becoming eligible again. It is advised to plan ahead and ensure that you do not have any holds on your student account and that you have paid off any balance owed to the University before becoming eligible to return.
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Students must leave the US during LOA
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa must be continuously 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.
During an LOA, your SEVIS record is terminated, and you cannot remain in the US. You must leave the country within 15 days of the beginning of the semester. If you are taking a semester off for internships or study abroad, select 'Planned Professional Leave'. If you are taking a semester off for personal reasons, select 'Personal Leave'.
If your leave is for medical reasons, your SEVIS record will remain active, and you are allowed to stay in the US. To remain in the US during a non-medical LOA, you will need to re-enroll in a higher program, transfer to another school to receive a new I-20 form, or apply to change your visa status.
When you are ready to return, your SEVIS record will be reactivated, and you will be back in status. You can only return to the US within 30 days of the start of the next semester. Check that you have a valid travel signature on page 2 of your I-20. If not, you can request an updated signature.
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Students may not work during an official school leave
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. A Leave of Absence (LOA) allows F1 students to take time off from their academic program. However, students cannot be authorized for work during an official school leave.
During an LOA, your SEVIS record is terminated until you are ready to return. Once your record is reactivated, you will be back in status. To be eligible for an LOA, you must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (2 semesters). If your record is terminated, you cannot remain in the US during your leave and must leave the country. An exception is made for medical reasons, where you can be authorized for a reduced course load and your SEVIS record will remain active, allowing you to stay in the US.
If you take a leave of absence for more than 5 months of academic time, you will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa. Summer or December vacation time is not included in this 5-month limit. A leave of absence longer than 5 months will also impact your eligibility for CPT or OPT, requiring you to complete another academic year before regaining eligibility.
It is important to plan your leave carefully and ensure that you do not have any holds or balances on your student account. You must submit the Leave of Absence Request Form at least two weeks before your leave takes effect. Additionally, you should consult with the Center for International Students before taking a semester off to ensure a smooth return to "Active" status and re-entry to the United States.
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LOA longer than a semester may impact CPT/OPT eligibility
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their programs of study. A Leave of Absence (LOA) allows F1 students to take time off from their academic program. However, if an F1 student takes an LOA for more than five months of academic time, they will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa.
Furthermore, a leave of absence longer than a semester may impact CPT/OPT eligibility. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment that is an integral part of a student's major curriculum, allowing them to participate in internships or cooperative education programs. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an optional work authorization for students who meet specific eligibility requirements.
F-1 students can be authorized for CPT or OPT, but there are restrictions. If an F1 student takes an LOA for more than five 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.
Additionally, students should be cautious when applying for CPT after applying for OPT. While it is possible to apply for CPT after OPT, it could potentially cause issues with the OPT petition. Although the chances of any problems occurring are small, students need to consider if a short internship is worth jeopardizing their OPT status.
In conclusion, while an international student with an F1 visa can take a gap semester off, they should be aware that an LOA longer than a semester may impact their CPT/OPT eligibility and require them to take additional steps to maintain their visa status and continue their studies in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can take a semester off. This is known as a Leave of Absence (LOA) and can be taken for a variety of reasons, including mandatory military service, family emergencies, or financial challenges. However, it is important to note that international students may not take a semester off and remain in the US.
To take a semester off, international students must submit a Leave of Absence request and meet with an academic advisor or International Student Advisor to discuss the process and any potential impacts on their immigration status. Students may also need to complete an "Immigration Leave of Absence Form" or a "Student Exit Form" and submit it to the relevant office. Additionally, they should ensure they have a valid travel signature on their I-20 form and may need to apply for a new visa before returning to the US.
Students are advised to not take a Leave of Absence for longer than one semester. For visa purposes, F-1 students who take a LOA for more than 5 months of academic time will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa. During the Leave of Absence, students are not authorized to work and must depart the US within 15 days of their last day of enrollment. Upon return, students may need to attend international student orientation and may be required to take additional tests or complete another academic year before becoming eligible for certain benefits.
