Douglas Olsen
International students in the USA 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 F-1 students to take time off from their academic program. To qualify for an LOA, F-1 students must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (2 semesters) and submit the necessary paperwork. During an LOA, the student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they cannot remain in the US. If the leave is for medical reasons, students can be authorized for a reduced course load, and their SEVIS record will remain active, allowing them to stay in the country. Students taking a break for more than 5 months of academic time will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa and will not be eligible for CPT or OPT based on their previous F-1 status.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| F-1 students' enrolment requirements | Continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study |
| F-1 students' work authorization | May work no more than 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in session and 40 hours per week during official college breaks |
| Off-campus work authorization | Must obtain proper work authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and/or the U.S. |
| Leave of Absence (LOA) | Authorizes time off from an academic program; SEVIS record is terminated until the student is ready to return |
| LOA eligibility | Must have been in F-1 status for one full academic year (2 semesters) |
| LOA and visa | For leaves exceeding 5 months of academic time, a new I-20 and visa are required |
| LOA and CPT/OPT eligibility | Leaves exceeding 5 months result in ineligibility for CPT or OPT based on previous F-1 status |
| Return after LOA | Notify the Office of International Student Services within 21 days of the new semester; meet with the international advisor |
| Medical Leave of Absence | Requires a letter from a licensed medical professional recommending a reduced course load |
| Medical RCL | Requires prior approval from the DSO and no more than 12 months (3 semesters) total per degree level |
| Return to the US after LOA | Must be within 30 days of the start of the next semester with a valid travel signature on the I-20 |
| SEVP reactivation | May take 1-4 weeks; failing to reactivate results in refused entry into the US |
| SEVP certification | Authorizes schools to issue Forms I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status") to international students |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 students must be enrolled full-time
International students with F-1 status in the United States must be enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. This means enrolling in a full course of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. F-1 students are given a specific period of time to complete their academic program requirements, which is shown on their Form I-20.
F-1 students must meet certain credit requirements to be considered full-time. Undergraduate students must take at least 12 credit hours per term, while graduate students must take a minimum of nine credits per semester. Students with a full-time graduate assistantship will have their position count as five credits, so only an additional four credits are required.
To maintain their status, F-1 students must also abide by US Federal Employment Regulations. They may work no more than 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in session and 40 hours per week during official college breaks. They cannot work off-campus without prior authorization from the college and US Immigration.
F-1 students are not permitted to take a semester off and remain in the US. However, they can take a Leave of Absence (LOA) and remain in the country if their leave is for medical reasons. In this case, their SEVIS record will remain active. For other types of leave, the student's SEVIS record will be terminated until they are ready to return, at which point it will be reactivated. Students must leave the US during their LOA if their record is terminated. To be eligible for an LOA, students must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (two semesters) and submit the Leave of Absence Request Form at least two weeks before their leave.
If an F-1 student wishes to take a reduced course load (RCL), they must obtain prior approval from the Designated School Official (DSO) and provide a note from their doctor recommending they do not study full-time that semester due to a medical situation. Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety can be eligible for a Medical RCL with the recommendation of a licensed mental health practitioner. There is a one-year limit for using a Medical RCL throughout the entire degree program.
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LOA rules and eligibility
International students with an F-1 visa in the United States 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.
- To be eligible for an LOA, students must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (2 semesters).
- Students must have prior approval from the Office of International Student Services and their academic department before withdrawing from courses.
- Students must submit the Leave of Absence Request Form at least two weeks before their leave.
- 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.
- Students who will be outside the U.S. for longer than 5 months for an LOA must obtain a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID number in order to re-enter the U.S. and return.
- Students must depart the U.S. within 15 days of their LOA being approved.
- Students must notify their university's ISS/OIS office prior to a period of extended absence or withdrawal.
- During an LOA, a student's SEVIS record is terminated until they are ready to return, at which point it is "reactivated" and they regain their status.
- Students cannot remain in the U.S. during their LOA if their record is terminated.
- If a student's leave is for medical reasons, their SEVIS record will remain active, and they are allowed to stay in the U.S.
- Students must validate their return to the Office of International Student Services by reporting within 21 days of the start of the new semester.
- Students must meet with their international advisor and bring the required documents to the appointment.
- Students must ensure 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.
- Students must have a valid I-20 with a current travel signature, a valid F-1 visa in their passport, and a valid passport (should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of re-entry) to return to the U.S.
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Work during a semester off
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to take a semester off, but they must leave the US within 15 days of the beginning of the semester. They must also have prior approval from the Office of International Student Services and their academic department before withdrawing from courses.
Now, as for working during a semester off, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- On-campus employment: F-1 students can work on campus without prior approval from the USCIS. However, they are limited to working no more than 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during official college breaks. Many schools require students to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment, and some schools may not permit such employment in a student's first year.
- Off-campus employment during the semester: F-1 students cannot work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment, but it must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and/or the US Immigration authorities.
- Off-campus employment during official breaks: During official breaks, F-1 students can work full-time off-campus, but this must still be authorized by the DSO and US Immigration authorities.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 students can apply for OPT to work off-campus during and after their degree. OPT can be authorized for up to 12 months full-time, and part-time work reduces this by half. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for 9 months, but they must receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before starting work.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is a work and study program that allows international students to gain work experience while studying. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT.
- Special Student Relief: In cases of severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances, F-1 students may be authorized for off-campus employment on a case-by-case basis.
- International internships: To intern with an international organization, students must first obtain an internship offer and then work with the DSO to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS.
It's important to maintain lawful F1 status throughout your stay in the US, and your International Student Office can provide guidance on this. Additionally, students should be mindful of travel regulations when on OPT and ensure they have all the required documents before leaving and re-entering the country.
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Re-enrolment after a semester off
International ESL students in the USA on an F-1 visa must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. However, they can take a semester off by applying for a Leave of Absence (LOA). Here is a guide to re-enrolment after a semester off:
Before Taking a Semester Off
Before taking a semester off, international ESL students must complete a few important steps. Firstly, they should consult with their academic advisor and discuss the impact of their absence on their course sequence and program length. They also need to ensure that they do not have any holds on their student account and that any balance owed to the university is paid off before they can be eligible to return. Additionally, students should submit the necessary leave of absence request forms to the relevant offices, such as the CIS office or the Office of International Student Services, at least two weeks before their planned leave.
During the Leave of Absence
During the LOA, the student's SEVIS record will be terminated, and they will not be authorized for work. If the leave is for medical reasons, the student can be authorized for a reduced course load, and their SEVIS record will remain active, allowing them to stay in the US. Students who are outside the US for more than five months for an LOA must obtain a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID to re-enter the country.
Re-enrolment Process
To re-enrol after a semester off, students must first ensure that their SEVIS record has been reactivated. The reactivation process can take 1 to 4 weeks, so it is crucial to start the process well in advance of the desired return date. Students can only return to the US within 30 days of the start of the next semester and must have a valid travel signature on their I-20 form. Once their record is reactivated, students must report to the Office of International Student Services within 21 days of the new semester's start and meet with their international advisor.
Academic and Financial Requirements
Upon re-enrolment, students must resume a full course of study in the next available semester to maintain their status. They should also be aware of any academic program requirements and deadlines, as outlined on their I-20 form. If they are unable to meet these requirements, they must request a program extension from the Office of International Student Services before the expiration date. Additionally, students with outstanding balances or fees may not be able to re-enrol until they have paid off their debts.
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Medical leave of absence
International ESL students in the USA on an F-1 visa must be enrolled full-time during the academic year (fall and spring semesters) until their program is completed. However, they can take a semester off by applying for a Leave of Absence (LOA).
A medical leave of absence is a type of LOA that can be granted to international ESL students in the USA due to medical reasons. To be eligible for a medical leave of absence, students must meet certain requirements and follow specific procedures. Here is some information about the process:
Requirements:
- Students must have prior approval from the Office of International Student Services and the academic department before withdrawing from courses.
- A letter from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist recommending a leave for a specific semester is required.
- Students must be in good academic standing when requesting the LOA.
- No more than 12 months of total leave is allowed per degree level, and it can only be authorized one semester at a time.
- Students must have sufficient funds to cover the additional time needed to complete their program requirements.
- Students must meet with their International Student Advisor to discuss the LOA and complete the necessary processes.
Procedures:
- Discuss your leave of absence with the Director of Student Support or a similar position at your institution.
- Obtain medical documentation from a licensed medical professional recommending a leave for a specific semester due to a temporary illness or medical condition.
- Submit the required documentation and any necessary forms to the relevant offices, such as the Office of International Student Services or the Designated School Official (DSO).
- If you will be outside the USA for longer than 5 months during your LOA, you must obtain a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID number to re-enter the country.
- Maintain regular communication with the relevant offices during your LOA to ensure a smooth return to your studies.
It is important to note that the specific procedures and requirements may vary slightly depending on the institution and visa status. Be sure to carefully review the policies of your school and consult with the appropriate offices to ensure you are following the correct process for your specific situation.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the USA are required to be enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study. ESL students are not permitted to count online or distance learning classes towards their full course of study requirement. International students can take a semester off, but they must depart the US within 15 days and their SEVIS record will be terminated until they are ready to return.
International ESL students must submit an Immigration Leave of Absence Form to the CIS office at least two weeks before they plan to leave. They must also apply for an official Leave of Absence from the University. Students must also meet with an international advisor and ensure they do not have any holds on their student account.
International ESL students must validate their return to the Office of International Student Services within 21 days of the start of the new semester. They must also ensure that they have a valid travel signature on page 2 of their I-20 and that their SEVIS record has been reactivated before travelling, otherwise they will be refused entry into the US.
