Ibrahim Gardner
Taking a year off college is a big decision for anyone, but international students have additional factors to consider, such as their visa status and re-entry into the country. In the United States, F-1 students must be enrolled full-time throughout the academic year, but a Leave of Absence (LOA) can be requested for various reasons, including mandatory military service, family emergencies, or financial challenges. Students must carefully consider the implications of taking time off, as their SEVIS record may be terminated, and they may need to reapply for a new visa upon returning. International students at UBC in Canada can take up to a year off without reapplying for admission, and they can maintain their student status for up to 150 days. It is crucial for international students to consult with their academic advisors and international student services to understand the specific requirements and potential consequences of taking a year off college.
| 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 |
| Leave of Absence (LOA) | Allows F1 students to take time off from their academic program |
| SEVIS record during LOA | Terminated until the student is ready to return |
| Eligibility for LOA | Must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (2 semesters) |
| LOA for more than 5 months | Need to apply for a new I-20 and visa |
| CPT or OPT eligibility after LOA | Not eligible if the LOA is for more than 5 months |
| Work authorization during LOA | Not authorized |
| Reactivation of old SEVIS record | Email the Center for International Students 60 days before returning to the US |
| New SEVIS record | Required if gone from the US for more than 5 months, along with a new I-20 and visa |
| OPT or CPT eligibility with a new SEVIS record | Not eligible for one full academic year |
| F-1 students work hours limitation | 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in session and 40 hours per week during official college breaks |
| Off-campus work for F-1 students | Requires prior authorization from the college and U.S. Immigration |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 students must be enrolled full-time
International students with an F-1 visa are required to be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. This applies to the Fall and Spring semesters, while Summer and Winter session enrollment is optional. However, if an F-1 student intends to complete their academic program during a summer term, they must follow the full-time enrollment rules.
To be considered a full-time student, specific credit requirements must be met. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per semester, while graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits per semester. Students with a full-time graduate assistantship will have their position count as 5 credits, so they only need a minimum of 4 additional credits.
In certain circumstances, F-1 students may be permitted to take a reduced course load (RCL) of less than full-time. This requires prior approval from the Designated School Official (DSO) and must be for specific reasons, such as improper course placement or mental health conditions. The RCL can be approved in advance before the semester begins or during the semester if the student needs to drop a class. It is important to note that the rules for RCL are strict, and exceptions may not be accommodating.
If an F-1 student needs to take a leave of absence (LOA) and will be away from the United States for more than five months, they will need to return on a new SEVIS record and obtain a new I-20 and visa. During the LOA, the student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they cannot remain in the U.S. They must leave the country and will not be eligible for CPT or OPT during this time. To maintain eligibility for CPT or OPT, the LOA should not exceed one semester in duration.
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Leave of Absence (LOA)
In the United States, F-1 students must be enrolled full-time throughout the academic year until their program is completed. However, a Leave of Absence (LOA) allows F1 students to take a break from their academic program.
Eligibility for LOA
To be eligible for an LOA, you must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (2 semesters) before applying for the LOA.
Applying for LOA
To apply for an LOA, submit the Leave of Absence Request Form at least two weeks before your leave. You will also need to apply for an official LOA from the University.
Impact on Immigration Status
Your I-20 and F-1 immigration record will be terminated and will no longer be valid for entrance to the U.S. Your termination reason will be listed as "Authorized Early Withdrawal." If your leave is for less than five months, you can request that your F-1 status be reactivated, which will allow you to maintain your OPT/CPT eligibility and use the same I-20 and visa (if not expired). If your leave is for more than five months, you will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa, and you will not be eligible for CPT or OPT for another year.
Returning from LOA
If you are gone for five months or fewer, you will need to email the Center for International Students 60 days before you plan to return to the U.S. and provide a statement of your intention to return, a copy of your travel itinerary, and confirmation that you have requested transcripts to be sent to the Center for International Students. If you are gone for more than five months, you will need to reapply to the University and submit an online application, selecting "Re-applicant."
Impact on Scholarships
If you wish to regain your scholarship after returning from an LOA, you must submit an appeal to the Director of the Center for International Students.
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Reactivation of old record
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are generally required to be enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. However, they can take a leave of absence (LOA) for a variety of reasons, including medical reasons.
If you plan to take a leave of absence for less than five months, you can usually reactivate your F-1 status by contacting the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) through your school's international student services office. You will need to provide documentation, including a statement of your intention to return, your travel itinerary, and confirmation that you have requested transcripts be sent to the international office. You will also need to ensure that your student account is in good standing, with no holds or balances owed to the university. This process can take between one and four weeks, so it is important to start it well in advance of your planned return.
If you plan to take a leave of absence for more than five months, your SEVIS record will be terminated, and you will need to depart the US within 15 days. To return to the US, you will need to reapply for a new I-20 and visa, and you will not be eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training) for another year.
It is important to note that the process of taking a leave of absence and reactivating your record may vary depending on your specific school and visa status, so be sure to consult with your international student office and, if necessary, an immigration attorney.
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Work authorization
Taking a gap year is becoming an increasingly popular option for students, including international students. While taking a gap year can be a great opportunity to travel, focus on personal development, or gain work experience, international students must carefully consider the implications for their visa and work authorization status.
In the United States, international students on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status during and after the completion of their degree. To qualify for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least 9 months and must obtain prior authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and their school's International Student Office. The USCIS can take up to 90 days to process the application, so it is important to start the process early.
Another option for off-campus employment is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is available to F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of their curriculum or academic program. To qualify for CPT, the work experience must be required for the student's degree or they must receive academic credit for it. Prior authorization from the school's International Student Office and notification to the USCIS are required, and students must have been enrolled full-time for one year on valid F1 status.
International students on an F1 visa who are facing severe economic hardship, as defined by the USCIS, may also be eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. To qualify, students must have been in valid F1 status for at least one academic year (9 months) and must work with their school's International Student Office to determine their eligibility and apply for authorization.
It is important to note that work authorization for international students on an F1 visa is typically valid for one year and must be renewed if the student continues to work after that period. Additionally, international students must ensure that they are complying with all visa requirements and maintaining their status, as failure to do so could impact their ability to remain in the country or continue their studies.
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SEVIS termination
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. 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. When you are ready to resume your studies, your record is reactivated, and you will regain your status.
To be eligible for an LOA, you must have been in F1 status for a full academic year (two semesters). If your SEVIS record is terminated, you cannot remain in the U.S. during your leave and must depart the country. If your leave is for medical reasons, your SEVIS record will remain active, and you may stay in the U.S.
If your leave is for less than five months, you can request that your F-1 status be reactivated, allowing you to maintain your OPT/CPT eligibility and use the same I-20 and visa (if not expired). If your leave is for more than five months, you will need a new I-20 and visa, and you will not be eligible for OPT or CPT based on your previous F-1 status.
In recent years, the U.S. government has come under scrutiny for revoking thousands of student visas and terminating the SEVIS records of international students without clear justification. These actions have been based on minor infractions or dismissed charges, leading to legal challenges and temporary restraining orders restoring students' SEVIS records. While SEVIS termination does not force international students to leave the country, it creates complications, including the loss of employment authorization and ineligibility for re-entry into the U.S.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you must request a leave letter and you will not be allowed to stay in the country during your break.
Students must submit a Leave of Absence Request Form at least two weeks before their leave. Students must also ensure they do not have any holds or balances on their student account.
If you take a break for more than 5 months, you will need to reapply for your visa and will not be eligible for OPT or CPT for another year.
If you are gone for less than 5 months, you will need to email the Center for International Students 60 days before you plan to return to the US with a statement of your return date and a copy of your travel itinerary.
Students cannot be authorized for work authorization while on an official school leave.
