International Students: Leaving The Us During Trial Periods

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, they can take a leave of absence (LOA) for a variety of reasons, including internships, study abroad, or personal reasons. If an international student wishes to leave the US temporarily, they must submit an Immigration Leave of Absence Form to the CIS office at least two weeks before their planned departure. The duration of their absence will determine the requirements for their return. If they are gone for fewer than five months, they may be able to return on the same SEVIS record. If they are gone for more than five months, they will need a new I-20 issued, a new I-901 fee paid, a new visa acquired, and they must enter the US as a new student on an initial SEVIS record. In addition, students with pending criminal proceedings may want to resolve any outstanding issues before leaving the country to avoid potential issues upon their return.

Characteristics and Values

International students must consult the Center for International Students before leaving

International students in the US on an F-1 visa must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their program of study. However, choosing not to enroll in classes for a semester is known as taking a Leave of Absence (LOA). If you are an international student and are considering taking a semester off, it is imperative that you consult the Center for International Students before leaving.

Firstly, you must make an appointment with the International Student Advisor. It is important to note that a Leave of Absence is not for students with medical conditions. Students wishing to take fewer classes or no classes at all due to medical reasons must apply for a Medical Reduced Course Load.

Secondly, you will need to complete the Immigration Leave of Absence Form and submit it to the CIS office at least two weeks before you plan to leave. You will also need to apply for an official Leave of Absence from the University. 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'.

The length of your leave will determine the process for returning to your studies. If you are outside of the United States for five months or fewer, it might be possible to return on the same SEVIS record. If you are gone for more than five months, you will need a new I-20 issued, 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. If you enter on a new SEVIS record, you will not be eligible for OPT or CPT for another year.

Additionally, if you have any outstanding disciplinary, behavioral, or criminal issues, you should be aware of the effect this may have upon your return. If you have an outstanding balance, it must be paid off before your SEVIS record will be reactivated or a new I-20 issued. Students with extenuating circumstances may appeal for a larger refund by submitting the "Enrollment Fees Appeal Form" and any supporting documentation.

Students must resolve any outstanding criminal issues before leaving the US

International students pursuing an advanced degree in the US who find themselves in legal trouble should be aware of the possible consequences for their immigration status. If a student commits a crime in the US, they will be subject to the same laws and potential punishments as US citizens. This includes being charged with a criminal offense, jailed while awaiting trial, tried in criminal court, and ultimately sentenced with a monetary fine, prison time, or other penalty.

It is important to note that leaving the country becomes impossible until the criminal case is resolved and any penalty time served. This means that international students cannot leave the US pending trial. Even if the resolution does not result in deportation, having a crime on record could make the student inadmissible or ineligible for any future US visa or green card. Additionally, extensive databases are maintained at the national level, and immigration authorities will have access to information about any arrests or criminal history. This could impact future applications for immigration benefits, as well as the student's ability to re-enter the US or successfully apply for a new visa stamp.

In terms of practical steps, it is recommended that international students facing criminal charges in the US retain two attorneys: one specializing in criminal law and one in immigration law. This is because a criminal conviction, even for a seemingly minor offense, can have long-lasting consequences for the student's immigration record and their ability to travel to other countries.

It is also important to note that if a student chooses to leave the US without resolving their criminal issues, they may face difficulties re-entering the country. The student's visa stamp could be cancelled, and they may be required to undergo a background check or evaluation by a Panel Physician in their home country to determine if they present a danger to themselves or others. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to resolve any outstanding criminal issues before leaving the US to avoid potential complications with their immigration status and future travel plans.

Students with an outstanding balance must pay it off before their SEVIS record is reactivated

International students at Truman University who have an outstanding balance must pay it off before their SEVIS record is reactivated or a new I-20 is issued. Students who withdraw from classes before or after the semester starts must depart the US within 15 days. If a student has not registered for classes and decides to take a semester off, they should depart within 15 days of the beginning of the semester.

If a student is taking a semester off for internships or study abroad, they should select 'Planned Professional Leave'. If they are taking time off for personal reasons, they should select 'Personal Leave'. It is important to note that F-1 and J-1 students may not take a semester off and remain in the US. They must be enrolled in a full course load or have a pre-approved reduced course load with appropriate documentation for allowable reasons (medical or academic).

If a student is outside of the US for five months or fewer, they may return on the same SEVIS record. If they are gone for more than five months, they must return with a new SEVIS record, a new I-20, a new I-901 fee paid, and a new visa. They will enter the US as a new student on an initial SEVIS record and will not be eligible for OPT or CPT for another year.

If a student withdraws from classes and is suspended from the university before action is taken on the SEVIS record, the reason for termination will be "Suspension" rather than "Authorized Early Withdrawal". This could make it more difficult to return to "Active" status.

Students must be enrolled full-time continuously until the completion of their program

International students in the US on an F-1 visa must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study. Choosing not to enrol in classes for a semester is known as a Leave of Absence (LOA). Students who are considering taking a semester off for internships, study abroad, or personal reasons must make an appointment with the International Student Advisor to complete an Immigration Leave of Absence Form and submit it to the CIS office at least two weeks before they plan to leave.

If a student's leave is fewer than five months, they can request to have their F-1 status reactivated by SEVP, which would allow them to maintain their OPT/CPT eligibility and use the same I-20 and visa (if not expired). If a student's leave is for more than five months, they will require a new F-1 status and a new 'Initial' I-20, which will be like starting a new record. In this case, the student must contact the relevant office with their intent to return and complete a new application.

Students who wish to take a reduced course load for medical reasons can apply for a Medical Reduced Course Load, which will allow them to remain in the US during their leave. Students with extenuating circumstances may also appeal for a larger refund of their semester tuition and fees by submitting the "Enrollment Fees Appeal Form" and any supporting documentation.

It is important to note that any time an international student is not enrolled in a current term, their SEVIS record must be terminated. If a student consults with the Center for International Students before taking a semester off, the reason for termination will be "Authorized Early Withdrawal," which makes it easier to return to Active status. However, if a student does not consult with the Center for International Students before leaving, the termination reason will be "Unauthorized Withdrawal," which could make it more difficult to return to Active status.

Students must reacquire a new F-1 status and a new Initial I-20 if they leave for more than 5 months

International students on an F-1 visa who leave the US for more than five months will need to reacquire a new F-1 status and a new Initial I-20. This is because their SEVIS record will be terminated, and they will need to enter the US as a new student on an initial SEVIS record.

To ensure a smooth process, students should consult their Designated School Official (DSO) before travelling. The DSO generally works in the International Student Office. Students must have a current SEVIS Form I-20 endorsed for travel, and the DSO needs to verify that the SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date. The DSO must sign the Form I-20, and this signature is required for endorsement for travel. Students should keep this form safe, as it will be needed throughout their international student life cycle.

If a student leaves the US with an outstanding balance, it must be paid off before their SEVIS record is reactivated or a new I-20 issued. Students with extenuating circumstances may appeal for a larger refund by submitting the "Enrollment Fees Appeal Form" and any supporting documentation.

If a student will be gone for fewer than five months and needs to renew their visa before returning to the US, they should contact the Center for International Students 30 days before their visa appointment. The Center for International Students must submit a request to return the student to "Active" status before the visa interview.

Frequently asked questions