Lori Meadows
International students on F-1 visas in the US and student visas in Canada often wonder if they can return to their home countries during their semester. While there are no government restrictions on leaving the US or Canada, students need the required documentation to re-enter these countries. Students must also ensure that their absence does not affect their academic performance. Students should consult their professors and academic advisors before planning their trip to ensure they can complete the semester's work.
Characteristics and values of international students going back to their country during a semester
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Permission from university | Required in some countries |
| Permission from professors | Required in some countries |
| Valid travel signature | Required in some countries |
| Valid visa | Required in some countries |
| Full-time enrollment | Required in some countries |
| No restriction on departure | True for some countries |
| Restriction on return | True for some countries |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US can leave during the semester
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are required to be continuously 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. During an LOA, your SEVIS record is terminated until you are ready to return. When you are ready to return, your record is reactivated, and you regain your status.
To be eligible for an LOA, you must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year (two semesters). If you take an LOA, you must leave the US and cannot remain in the country during your break. It is advised that students do not take an LOA longer than one semester. For visa purposes, F-1 students that take an LOA for more than five months of academic time will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa.
If you are outside of the US for five months or fewer, it might be possible to return on the same SEVIS record. However, if you are gone for more than five months, you will need a new I-20, a new I-901 fee paid, a new visa, and you must enter the US as a new student on an initial SEVIS record. If you enter on a new SEVIS record, you will not be eligible for OPT or CPT for another year.
Before leaving, make sure your DSO has signed your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" within the last year, and that you have their most up-to-date contact information. If you have a pending practical training application, it is not recommended that you leave the US.
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Permission from professors is required
International students are permitted to leave the country they are studying in and return to their home country during a semester break. However, there are several factors to consider, and permission from professors is one of the key requirements.
Firstly, it is important to note that the specific requirements and implications may vary depending on the country where the student is studying and the specific visa regulations in place. For instance, in the United States, F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment throughout the academic year until their program is completed. A Leave of Absence (LOA) can be requested to take a break from studies, but this also involves specific procedures and conditions.
Now, regarding permission from professors, it is indeed advisable to seek approval from the relevant faculty members. This is because, in the US educational system, for example, individual professors are responsible for excusing absences from their courses. While the US government does not restrict students from leaving the country, re-entry and maintenance of student status are dependent on academic eligibility. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate with instructors and academic advisors to ensure that the absence will not negatively impact the student's academic standing or result in missing crucial exams, assignments, or deadlines.
Additionally, it is essential to have the necessary travel signatures and documentation. Before departing, international students should ensure they have a valid travel signature on their Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This form should be signed by the student's DSO (Designated School Official) within the last year, and the DSO's contact information, including emergency contact details, should be noted.
In summary, while there may not be legal restrictions on leaving the country during a semester, seeking permission from professors is a necessary step to ensure the student's academic progress and eligibility for re-entry. Students should also be aware of any visa-related requirements and potential impacts on their student status, especially if their absence coincides with important academic milestones.
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Valid travel signatures are needed
International students in the United States holding F-1 or J-1 visas are permitted to leave the country during the semester. However, they must ensure they have the necessary documentation to re-enter the US. This includes a valid travel signature on their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. The travel signature confirms the student's non-immigrant status and is valid for one year for currently enrolled students and those on post-completion Academic Training. For students on F-1 post-completion Optional Practical Training or J-1 Academic Training, the travel signature is valid for six months.
It is important to note that the travel signature must be obtained before returning to the US, not before leaving. International students can submit a request for a travel signature through their school's online portal, and the designated school official (DSO) will provide a new document with the travel signature. This process can take up to two weeks, so planning ahead is essential. Additionally, the DSO must have signed the Form I-20 within the last year, and the student should not remain outside the US for more than five months.
Dependents of F-1 and J-1 students, such as spouses and unmarried minor children, are granted F-2 and J-2 status, respectively. They must also have valid travel documents, including a valid passport, an unexpired F-2 or J-2 visa, and their Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a recent travel signature no older than one year. If travelling independently, dependents must carry copies of the primary student's passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019 form, along with proof of their relationship.
In some cases, international students may not need to obtain a travel signature. For instance, if a student has completed one academic program and plans to start another in the following semester with a valid I-20 or DS-2019 for the new program, they can travel without the travel signature. However, it is always recommended to carry both old and new passports, along with a valid visa, when travelling. Additionally, students should be mindful of their responsibility to maintain their F-1/J-1 status by actively participating in classes and practical training.
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A Leave of Absence (LOA) may be required
International students on an F-1 visa must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until their program is completed. However, there may be situations that necessitate a temporary departure from their host country during the semester. In such cases, a Leave of Absence (LOA) may be required.
An LOA allows F-1 students to take time off from their academic program without losing their immigration status. During an LOA, the student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they are required to leave the US. When the student is ready to return, their record is reactivated, and they regain their status. It is important to note that to be eligible for an LOA, students must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year (two semesters).
The process of requesting an LOA typically involves submitting a form to the relevant department or office, such as the International Student Services (ISS) or the Center for International Students. Students should ensure they submit the form within the specified timeframe, usually at least two weeks before the intended leave. After submitting the form, the student's SEVIS record will be terminated, and they must depart the country within the designated timeframe, often within 15 days of the termination date.
The length of the leave plays a crucial role in the process of returning to the host country. If the leave is fewer than five months, students can usually reactivate their F-1 status and maintain their benefits, such as OPT or CPT eligibility, by using the same I-20 and visa (if not expired). However, if the leave extends beyond five months, a new I-20, a new visa, and a new SEVIS record will be required, resulting in additional fees and potential delays in resuming studies.
It is important to consult with the appropriate authorities, such as the DSO or the Center for International Students, before departing the host country to ensure a smooth transition back to studies and to avoid any adverse effects on immigration status.
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Visa requirements for re-entry
International students intending to travel outside the United States during the semester must meet specific visa requirements to be allowed re-entry into the country. These requirements are in place to ensure that students can maintain their student status while abroad and seamlessly return to their academic pursuits upon their return.
Firstly, it is essential to consult the Designated School Official (DSO) at the international student office or seek advice from the embassy or legal advisor before planning any travel outside the country. This step is crucial, as the DSO can provide critical information regarding the specific requirements for re-entry, including the necessary documentation.
One critical document for re-entry is the Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This form must be endorsed for travel and signed by the DSO within the last year. It is also important to ensure that the DSO's contact information is up-to-date, including both daytime and 24-hour emergency phone numbers.
Another crucial requirement for re-entry is a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of re-entry into the United States. Additionally, if the student is an M-1 visa holder, it is recommended to carry the most recent Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record," along with the passport. These documents should always be hand-carried and not placed in checked baggage.
Furthermore, students must possess a valid visa to re-enter the United States. If the student's visa has expired, they must renew it before travelling. However, if the expired passport has a valid visa, it can still be used, provided the old passport is presented along with the new one upon re-entry. It is worth noting that certain countries have agreements with the United States that allow entry with a passport until the date of expiration.
In addition to the above, students with approved Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to re-enter the country. The EAD is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) upon approval of the practical training application.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can leave the US during their studies, but they must ensure they have the correct documentation to return.
To re-enter the US, international students need to be academically eligible to continue studying. Students will also need a valid travel signature on their I-20 form and an F-1 visa.
Yes, international students can leave during the semester. However, they must ensure that they will still be able to succeed academically in that term.
If an international student is gone for more than five months, they will need a new F-1 status and a new 'Initial' I-20. This will be like starting the process of entering the US all over again.
Yes, students must submit a Leave of Absence Request Form at least two weeks before their leave.
