Janice Lozano
International students can take a semester break, but the process and requirements vary depending on the country and institution. In the United States, F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment throughout the academic year, but they can take a Leave of Absence (LOA) for certain reasons. At Southern Arkansas University, for example, F-1 students can take an LOA after completing one full academic year, but they must leave the US during their break and may need to reapply for a visa if the break exceeds five months. Camosun College in Canada allows international students to take scheduled breaks, typically during the summer semester, and unregistered breaks of up to 150 days, after which they must change their status or leave the country. Students at Truman State University can take a Planned Professional Leave or Personal Leave for a semester, but they must be outside the US for more than five months to maintain their SEVIS record.
Can international students take a semester break?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| F-1 students in the US | Must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study |
| F-1 students in the US | Can take a Leave of Absence (LOA) for a break |
| F-1 students in the US | Must have been in F1 status for one full academic year (2 semesters) before being eligible for LOA |
| F-1 students in the US | Cannot remain in the US during LOA |
| F-1 students in the US | Need to apply for a new I-20 and visa if LOA is for more than 5 months of academic time |
| F-1 students in the US | Cannot be authorized for work authorization while on an official school leave |
| International students at Camosun College | Can take a "scheduled break" during the summer semester (May 1-August 31) if they meet certain criteria |
| International students at Camosun College | Can take a break from their studies and come back when ready |
| International students at Camosun College | Need to pay the registration deposit and register for courses if they are away for less than a year |
| International students at Camosun College | Might have to go through the admission process to re-enter if they are away for more than a year |
| International students in Canada | Can only take a break if it's a scheduled break |
| International students in Canada | Can take a 3-month summer break every year |
| F-1 international students in the US | Can take an annual vacation after completing a school year at their SEVP-certified school |
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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, which typically includes the fall and spring semesters. This means registering for a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester. However, there may be exceptions for medical reasons, which require appropriate documentation and prior approval.
To maintain their legal status, F-1 students must continuously maintain full-time enrolment. A Leave of Absence (LOA) is an option for F-1 students who need to take a break from their studies. To be eligible for an LOA, students must have completed at least one full academic year (two semesters) in F-1 status. During an LOA, the student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they must leave the US. Re-entry to the US is only permitted within 30 days of the start of the next semester.
To initiate the LOA process, international students must consult with their international student advisor and complete the necessary steps. This typically involves providing documentation and obtaining approval from the designated school authorities. It is important to start the process early, as it can take up to four weeks for the request to be processed. Failing to reactivate your record before travelling can result in refused entry into the US.
It is crucial for international students to carefully consider their options before deciding to take a semester off. They should discuss their plans with their academic advisor and consult with the relevant offices, such as the Registrar's office and student accounts, to understand the potential impact on their academic standing, fees, and visa status. Additionally, students should be aware of the five-month rule, which states that they cannot be gone for more than five months if they wish to return on the same SEVIS record.
While on an LOA, F-1 students have specific restrictions on their employment and travel. They are not permitted to work off-campus without prior authorization, and they must depart the US within 15 days of withdrawing from classes or the beginning of the semester if they have not registered for classes. Students should also be mindful of the requirements for re-entry, such as obtaining a new I-20, paying the I-901 fee, and acquiring a new visa.
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F-1 students can take a Leave of Absence (LOA)
Before taking an LOA, F-1 students should be aware of the following:
- Consult with your Academic Dean or program to notify them of your intention to take an LOA.
- Contact the International Center or Office of International Services (OIS) for guidance on immigration implications.
- Understand the difference between an LOA and a medical leave. In the case of a medical leave, students may be eligible for a Medical Reduced Course Load (RCL), which does not involve SEVIS termination, allowing students to remain in the U.S.
- If your leave is not medical, you must leave the U.S. within 15 days of withdrawing from classes or the beginning of the semester if you haven't registered for classes yet.
When you are ready to return from your LOA:
- Notify the International Center or OIS a few months in advance to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 visa document.
- Obtain clearance from your Academic Dean or department before returning to your studies.
- Ensure that any registration holds and incomplete courses are resolved.
- If your LOA was for more than 5 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.
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LOA longer than 5 months needs a new I-20 and visa
International students on an F-1 visa in the United States are required to be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. However, students can take a Leave of Absence (LOA) for a variety of reasons, including personal or professional reasons.
If an F-1 student takes an LOA for more than 5 months of academic time, their SEVIS record will be terminated, and they will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa to re-enter the United States. This is because the student's status changes, and they are no longer considered enrolled at their previous institution. The process of obtaining a new I-20 and visa can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to plan ahead. Students must ensure that they do not have any holds on their student account and that they have paid off any balances owed to the university before they will be eligible to return.
The first step in the process of obtaining a new I-20 is to submit a Leave of Absence Request Form to the International Student Services office at the student's university. This should be done at least two weeks before the leave will go into effect. Once the office has received the request form and checked the student's account, they will submit a request to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to terminate the student's SEVIS record. The process can take up to 4 weeks, so it is important to start this process well in advance of the desired return date.
When the student is ready to return to the United States, they will need to notify the International Center at their university and request a new I-20 or DS-2019 visa document. To qualify for a new I-20, the student will need to provide confirmation of approval from their Academic Dean or department that they are eligible to resume their studies. They will also need to submit updated financial documents showing that they have sufficient funds for at least one year of full-time tuition, fees, and living expenses. The International Center will then assist the student in obtaining the necessary documents to re-enter the United States.
It is important to note that if an F-1 student takes an LOA for more than 5 months, they will not be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (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 mindful of the deadlines and requirements for maintaining their immigration status and consult with their International Student Advisor regularly.
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Students can take a break at Camosun College, Canada
International students are allowed to take a break from their studies at Camosun College, Canada. Students can take a "scheduled break" during the summer semester (May 1 to August 31) if they meet certain criteria. The criteria include being registered, eligible, and continuing in an academic degree, diploma, or certificate program. Students must also have been in the program for at least 6 months, not yet have been awarded their credential, and plan to resume full-time academic studies in the following term. If a student takes a break of more than 150 days, they must change their status to Visitor from Student or leave Canada.
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. However, they can take a Leave of Absence (LOA), which allows them to take time off from their academic program. During an LOA, the student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they cannot remain in the US. If the LOA is for more than 5 months, the student will need to apply for a new visa and will not be eligible for CPT or OPT based on their previous time as an F1 student.
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Breaks longer than 150 days need a status change or exit
International students can take a semester break, but the process and requirements vary depending on the country and institution. For example, in the United States, F-1 students 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, the student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they cannot remain in the US. If the LOA is for more than 5 months, students will need a new I-20 and visa, and they will not be eligible for CPT or OPT based on their previous F1 status.
In Canada, the rules for international students taking a break from their studies can vary by institution. For example, Camosun College allows international students to take a "scheduled break" during the summer semester (May 1-August 31) if they meet certain criteria, including being enrolled in an academic program of at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. If a student takes a non-scheduled break from studies longer than 150 days, they must change their status to "Visitor" from "Student" or leave Canada.
It's important to note that the ability to take a semester break and the specific requirements may differ based on the country, institution, and individual circumstances. Students should always consult with their institution's international student services or advisor before taking any leave to understand the potential consequences for their visa status, enrollment, and academic progress.
In summary, while international students may be able to take a semester break, it is crucial to carefully plan and understand the specific rules and regulations of their host country and educational institution. Failing to follow the proper procedures could result in negative consequences for the student's visa status, academic standing, and ability to re-enter the host country. By consulting with the appropriate advisors and planning ahead, students can help ensure a smooth process for taking a necessary break from their studies.
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Frequently asked questions
F-1 students in the US must be enrolled full-time during the academic year until their program is completed. However, a Leave of Absence (LOA) allows F1 students to take time off from their academic program. Students must have been in F1 status for at least 2 semesters to be eligible for LOA.
If you take a LOA for more than 5 months, you will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa. Additionally, you will not be eligible for CPT or OPT based on your previous time as an F1 student.
International students in Canada can take a break during the summer semester (May 1 - August 31) if they meet certain criteria. Students must be enrolled in academic programs that are at least 6 months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate. They must also resume full-time academic studies in the following term.
If you take a non-scheduled break from studies for more than 150 days, you must change your status to Visitor from Student or leave Canada. Additionally, you cannot remain in Canada as a student during this time.
