Douglas Olsen
International students often face confusion regarding semester breaks and leaves of absence. In the United States, F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment throughout the academic year. However, a Leave of Absence (LOA) can be taken, but specific rules apply. For instance, an LOA exceeding five months may require a new I-20 and visa, and students with certain medical conditions may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). Summer and winter sessions are typically optional, but full-time enrollment may be necessary if the student intends to graduate during the summer term. International students must also be mindful of visa requirements, passport validity, and SEVIS record transfers when planning their academic breaks.
| 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 taking a Leave of Absence (LOA) | SEVIS record is terminated until they are ready to return |
| F-1 students taking an LOA of more than 5 months | Need to apply for a new I-20 and visa |
| F-1 students taking an LOA of fewer than 5 months | ISS can request that F-1 status be reactivated by SEVP |
| F-1 students taking an LOA for medical reasons | Can be authorized for a reduced course load based on medical conditions and their SEVIS record will remain active |
| Northeastern students | Not all are required or choose to study during the summer term |
| F-1 and J-1 students during required academic terms | Must maintain full-time enrollment and appropriate on-ground presence |
| Northeastern students in their final term before graduation | May be eligible for a final term reduced course load (RCL) |
| Northeastern students planning to travel during the summer term | Need to review all the travel guidance provided by OGS and request a travel endorsement on their I-20 or DS-2019 |
| Northeastern students with an Initial I-20/DS-2019 | Must maintain full-time enrollment and appropriate on-ground presence for the duration of the summer term(s) |
| Northeastern students eligible to enroll in summer 1 only or summer 2 only | Can enroll in half of their typical full-time enrollment requirement (6 credits for undergrads and 4 credits for graduates) |
| Northeastern students with a full-time Graduate Assistantship (GA, TA, or RA) | GA position counts as 5 credits, so only a minimum of 4 additional credits is required |
| UMBC students | Can take up to half of their credits at another school while attending UMBC and while their I-20 is at UMBC |
| UMBC students taking credits at another school | Need to provide ISSS with a copy of their course schedule |
| UMBC students with a full-time Graduate Assistantship on campus (GA, TA, or RA) | GA position counts as 5 credits, so only a minimum of 4 additional credits is required |
| UMBC students with a serious medical condition lasting beyond one year | Should consider relocating outside the US for their care or applying to change their immigration status to B-2 status |
| Harvard Summer School students with an F-1 student visa from another school in the US who will not be returning to that school in the fall semester | Must transfer their SEVIS record to Harvard Summer School |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US must be enrolled full-time
There are, however, exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement. Students may submit a Reduced Course Load (RCL) request to the DSO/International Student Advisor in specific circumstances. For instance, an RCL may be authorized for medical reasons with a doctor's letter recommending a reduced course load due to a temporary medical condition. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, can also be eligible for a Medical RCL with a recommendation from a licensed mental health practitioner. It is important to note that a healthy pregnancy or childbirth does not qualify for a Medical RCL, but a complicated pregnancy or birth may be considered.
International students can also request an RCL due to academic difficulty, but only once per degree level. Academic difficulty could include challenges with English language or reading requirements. Additionally, graduate students with a full-time Graduate Assistantship on campus (GA, TA, or RA) may have their position count as 5 credits, requiring only a minimum of 4 additional credits.
It is crucial for international students to maintain their full-time status, as falling "out of status" can make it extraordinarily difficult to reinstate their F-1 status with USCIS. Students considering a Leave of Absence (LOA) should also be aware of the potential impact on their visa status and eligibility for Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training (CPT or OPT). An LOA of more than 5 months may require a new I-20 and visa, and students would need to complete another academic year to be eligible for CPT or OPT.
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A leave of absence (LOA) for F-1 students
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa must be enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their programs of study. However, there may be situations where an F-1 student needs to take a leave of absence (LOA) from their academic program. This could be due to personal or family reasons, medical leaves, or temporary withdrawals from study to participate in non-academic study or work abroad.
It is important to note that a leave of absence does not equate to suspension or expulsion, and students on an LOA are generally still eligible to return to school at a later date. Nonetheless, taking an LOA can be a complicated process for F-1 students as they must navigate both the leave of absence procedure with their school and manage their immigration record.
Firstly, students intending to take an LOA should consult with their academic program and notify the relevant international student services office before withdrawing from classes. Students are generally advised to not take an LOA longer than one semester. If the leave is for a medical reason, students may be eligible for a reduced course load without their SEVIS record being terminated, allowing them to stay in the US.
Secondly, for visa purposes, F-1 students who take an LOA of more than 5 months will likely need to apply for a new I-20 and visa to return to their studies. During an LOA, the student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they must depart the United States within 15 days of the termination date. To return to the US after an LOA, students should notify the international student services office at their university and request a new I-20 or DS-2019 visa document. They will also need to obtain clearance from their academic department and ensure they have no outstanding balances or holds on their student account.
In summary, while an LOA can provide F-1 students with a necessary break from their studies, it is important to carefully navigate the procedures with their school and manage their immigration status to ensure a smooth return to their academic program.
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Summer term enrolment requirements
Harvard Summer School:
International students enrolling at Harvard Summer School must obtain a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility, and apply for an F-1 student visa at a US embassy or consulate in their home country. This applies to students enrolling full-time in undergraduate or graduate credit courses on campus. If an international student already possesses a visa, they should refer to the guidelines of the US Department of State regarding permitted enrolment. It is important to note that ESTA visa waivers and B-1 or B-2 visas are not suitable for full- or part-time, for-credit study.
Southern Arkansas University:
International students at Southern Arkansas University (SAU) must maintain continuous full-time enrolment during the academic year. A Leave of Absence (LOA) allows for a break in studies, but the student must depart the country within 15 days of the termination date. For LOAs longer than one semester or five months of academic time, a new I-20 and visa application are required.
Northeastern University:
International students at Northeastern University may need to maintain full-time enrolment during the summer term(s) under certain conditions. For example, if it is their first term of enrolment, they are correcting their status, or they have an Initial I-20/DS-2019. Additionally, enrolment in on-ground courses is mandatory for maintaining non-immigrant status; online-only enrolment is not acceptable.
UNSW Sydney:
UNSW Sydney offers international students the opportunity to enrol in the summer term, which is not a compulsory study period. Therefore, students are not required to maintain a full-time load during this term. Enrolment and class registration processes should be followed via myUNSW for eligible courses before the enrolment deadline.
General Visa Considerations:
It is important to note that F-1 students in the United States must maintain continuous full-time enrolment during their academic programme. Additionally, certain benefits, such as employment opportunities, may require full-time enrolment for a specific number of semesters.
Please note that these requirements are subject to change, and it is always advisable to refer to the official websites of the educational institutions and relevant government departments for the most up-to-date information.
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Online courses and maintaining non-immigrant status
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa must be enrolled full-time during the academic year until they complete their program of study. This means enrolling in at least 12 credits for undergraduate students and 8 credits for graduate students. Only one online class per academic term can count towards the minimum full-time enrollment requirement, with additional courses above the minimum able to be in any modality (including online).
F-1 students can take a Leave of Absence (LOA) for up to one semester, after which their SEVIS record is terminated and they must leave the U.S. until their record is reactivated. If the leave is for fewer than five months, the student's F-1 status can usually be reactivated, allowing them to maintain their OPT/CPT eligibility and use the same I-20 and visa (if not expired).
During an annual vacation, F-1 students can take any number of online courses without it affecting their status. They may also be eligible for a non-summer vacation term or reduced course load for academic or medical reasons.
F-1 students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) at the undergraduate or graduate level, which must be an integral part of the curriculum and directly related to their major area of study. They can also work off-campus with authorization from a Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS, as long as the work is related to their area of study.
M-1 students, on the other hand, are not eligible for employment during their program of study but may obtain authorization for practical training employment after completion of their vocational program.
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International student visa requirements
To study in the United States as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. The most common student visas are F-1 and M-1 visas. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for those in vocational studies.
To obtain an F-1 or M-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Enrol as a full-time student at an accredited academic institution or language-training program.
- Possess English proficiency or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your studies.
- Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.
Additionally, F-1 students must be continuously enrolled full-time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study. A Leave of Absence (LOA) is permitted, but if it exceeds five months, you will need to apply for a new I-20 and visa.
To apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa, follow these steps:
- Enrol in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the United States.
- Upon acceptance, register for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20.
- Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and present your Form I-20 to the consular officer.
- Pay the non-refundable visa application fee before your interview.
- If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.
It is important to note that wait times for interview appointments vary, so it is recommended to apply for your visa early. Additionally, you are not allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date of your course.
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Frequently asked questions
F-1 students can take a break during the second half of a semester by applying for a Leave of Absence (LOA). However, they must have completed at least one full academic year (2 semesters) to be eligible for an LOA. During an LOA, the student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they must leave the US. If the break is for less than 5 months, the student's F-1 status can usually be reactivated, allowing them to maintain their OPT/CPT eligibility.
It depends on the university and the student's situation. At Northeastern, for example, the summer term is considered a vacation term for most continuing students, but some students are required to maintain full-time enrollment. At UMBC, summer enrollment is optional unless a student plans to complete their academic program during the summer term, in which case they must follow full-time enrollment rules.
International students who wish to take summer courses at Harvard Summer School must meet certain requirements, including English proficiency and passport validity. Additionally, if they hold an F-1 student visa from another school and will not be returning there in the fall semester, they must transfer their SEVIS record to Harvard Summer School.
