Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US on an F-1 visa will no longer be able to study abroad for longer than five months due to a new policy from USCIS. This change has sparked concerns about its impact on the talent pool of international leaders in the US and the diversity of international students. Previously, F-1 visa holders could maintain their student status while studying abroad if they remained enrolled at a SEVP-certified school. Now, students who spend more than five months abroad will need to seek readmission and pay additional fees, potentially affecting their OPT eligibility. This policy shift has prompted discussions about its unintended consequences and the importance of studying abroad for international students' success.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| F-1 visa holders in the US | Can study abroad for up to 5 months |
| SEVP-certified school | Must remain enrolled to maintain student status |
| Form I-20 | Required for readmission |
| I-901 SEVIS fee | Must be paid again for readmission |
| Course requirements | Must be discussed with the school official before applying for a study abroad program |
| Student status | Must be maintained by taking necessary steps |
| Study abroad approval | Can be counted towards eligibility for CPT or Pre-Completion OPT |
| Post-completion OPT | May not be eligible if studying abroad in the graduating semester |
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What You'll Learn
- F-1 visa holders in the US can study abroad for up to five months
- Students must maintain their F-1 status and obtain necessary credits
- Students should consult their school official before applying for study abroad programs
- Students abroad for more than five months need a new I-20 and F-1 visa
- Study abroad programs offer cultural and academic benefits
F-1 visa holders in the US can study abroad for up to five months
International students in the US on F-1 visas can study abroad for up to five months. This is due to a new policy change by the US immigration agency, which has restricted F-1 visa holders from participating in study abroad programs longer than five months.
Previously, F-1 visa holders could remain enrolled at a US institution while studying abroad, and there was no restriction on the length of their studies overseas. However, under the new guidance, if a student attends a study abroad program for longer than five months, they cannot remain in active status, which could impact their OPT eligibility.
The F-1 visa is for international students who intend to enter the US as full-time students at accredited academic institutions. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, students must meet several criteria, including being enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program, and their school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program. Additionally, F-1 visa holders must be enrolled full-time, be proficient in English or enrolled in English proficiency courses, have sufficient funds for self-support during their studies, and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.
If F-1 visa holders leave the US for more than five months and are unable to remain enrolled at a US institution, they will lose their student status. To resume their studies in the US, they must seek readmission and obtain a new Form I-20, which is the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status." They will also need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again and speak with their designated school official.
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Students must maintain their F-1 status and obtain necessary credits
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa must maintain their F-1 status and obtain the necessary credits to remain enrolled at a U.S. SEVP-certified school. Failure to do so will result in the loss of their student status. This means that they must continue to meet the requirements that allowed them to obtain an F-1 visa in the first place.
F-1 students must be enrolled in a full-time academic program, language-training program, or vocational program. They must maintain a full course of study each term, although there are limited circumstances in which they may be eligible for a reduced course load. For example, graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of 9 credits per semester, while undergraduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Students with a full-time graduate assistantship will have their position count as 5 credits, so only a minimum of 4 additional credits is required.
F-1 students must also maintain their academic progress and standing. Failure to do so may result in academic probation, dismissal, or suspension, which may impact their ability to maintain full-time enrollment and their F-1 status. Additionally, F-1 students may only take a limited number of online courses, with strict limitations imposed by the U.S. federal government.
It is important to note that F-1 students are only permitted to study abroad for up to five months. If they leave the United States for longer than five months and are unable to remain enrolled at their U.S. SEVP-certified school, they will lose their student status. To resume their studies in the United States, they will need to seek readmission and obtain a new Form I-20, paying the I-901 SEVIS fee again.
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Students should consult their school official before applying for study abroad programs
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are no longer permitted to study abroad for longer than five months. This change in policy has had far-reaching implications for international students, restricting them from taking advantage of the many US campuses that offer study-abroad programs longer than five months.
Therefore, it is important that students consult their school official before applying for study abroad programs. Students should be aware of the potential consequences of studying abroad on their visa status and ensure they take the necessary steps to maintain their student status. School officials can provide guidance on course requirements and how to maintain student status while studying abroad. They can also advise on the necessary steps to keep F student status, such as obtaining a new Form I-20 and paying the I-901 SEVIS fee again.
For example, students on an F-1 visa who study abroad for longer than five months cannot remain in active status, which could impact their OPT eligibility. Students may also not be eligible for post-completion OPT if they participate in a study abroad program during their graduating semester. This is because students outside the US are not considered to be in any non-immigrant status while abroad. School officials can provide clarity on these rules and help students understand the impact of studying abroad on their specific situation.
Additionally, school officials can provide information on the application process for study abroad programs and any required documents. They can also advise on the financial implications of studying abroad, including any additional fees or costs that may be incurred. By consulting with their school official, students can ensure they have the most up-to-date and accurate information to make informed decisions about their study abroad plans.
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Students abroad for more than five months need a new I-20 and F-1 visa
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa can study abroad. However, they are restricted to studying abroad for only five months. If an international student on an F-1 visa leaves the United States for more than five months, they will lose their student status. To resume studies in the United States, they will need to seek readmission, obtain a new Form I-20, and pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again.
The Form I-20, or the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students", is a crucial document for international students. It contains important information, such as the program start date, and is required for obtaining an F-1 student visa. The F-1 student visa is specifically for academic or language students, while the M-1 student visa is for vocational students. Both the type of student visa and the associated Form I-20 must match.
Before travelling, international students on an F-1 visa must consult their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure they have the necessary documentation. This includes a current SEVIS Form I-20 endorsed for travel, a valid passport, a valid visa, and financial information demonstrating sufficient funds for their studies and living expenses.
Additionally, it is important to note that the Form I-20 has been redesigned as of July 1, 2016, and the previous version with a barcode is no longer valid. International students should ensure they have the updated form and keep it safe, as it is required throughout their academic journey in the United States.
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Study abroad programs offer cultural and academic benefits
Studying abroad offers students the opportunity to experience different cultures and academic subjects. Students can gain new perspectives, learn how to navigate different cultures, work with diverse peers, and communicate in other languages. This can help prepare them for future challenges, make them more competitive in the job market, and turn them into responsible, engaged citizens.
Students who study abroad can also gain independence and a better understanding of themselves and their ability to adapt to diverse situations. They can make international friends, which can be rewarding personally and professionally through networking opportunities.
Studying abroad allows students to explore a new country and take in its allure, customs, traditions, social atmospheres, and natural wonders. They can also travel to neighbouring countries. For example, if a student chooses to study in France, they can easily travel through various parts of Europe, including London, Barcelona, and Rome.
Students can also experience different styles of education and see a side of their major that they may not have been exposed to at home. They can immerse themselves in the education system of their host country, which is a great way to truly experience and understand the people, traditions, and culture.
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Frequently asked questions
No, as of October 2024, F-1 visa holders in the US will no longer be able to study abroad for longer than five months.
They will not be able to maintain their active student status and will need to seek readmission, which includes obtaining a new Form I-20 and paying the I-901 SEVIS fee again.
Yes, international students in the US can study abroad for up to five months and maintain their student status.
Studying abroad allows international students to experience different cultures and academic subjects, which has been linked to a successful future.
International students in the US should talk to their designated school official about course requirements and how studying abroad may affect their student status.
