Ibrahim Gardner
The meaning of 'LOA' differs depending on the context. In the context of the University of Florida, LOA stands for 'Leave of Absence'. At McGill University, the term LOA is used to refer to 'Letter of Acceptance'. Meanwhile, LOA can also stand for 'Letter of Agreement' in the context of Canadian colleges and universities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Leave of Absence (LOA) |
| Application | Students must submit their Standard LOA Request by the first day of the semester |
| Time period | Students on a LOA for less than 5 months do not need a new Initial Attendance Form I-20/DS-2019 to return |
| Validity of passport | Valid for at least 6 months from the date of re-entry |
| Visa | Valid F-1/J-1 visa stamp in their passport |
| Documentation | I-20, passport, and visa |
| Work | International students are not authorized to work during their LOA |
| Re-entry | Students need to have a valid I-20 with a current travel signature |
| Readmission | Students will need to apply for readmission to be able to re-enroll in the program |
| Fee | Non-refundable fee ranging from $250 to $500 CAD |
| Reactivation | Students can request a SEVIS correction to reactivate their existing SEVIS record |
| Research | Students will maintain an Active SEVIS/I-20 record |
| Insurance | Students must be covered by health insurance |
| Check-in | Mandatory upon arriving in the city |
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What You'll Learn
LOA and visa applications
The term "LOA" can refer to either a Leave of Absence or a Letter of Acceptance. This answer will cover both concepts and their relationship with visa applications.
Leave of Absence (LOA)
A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a period during which a student is authorised to take time off from their studies. The specific rules and procedures surrounding LOA vary by university and country, so it is important to consult the relevant academic department or advisor.
In the United States, an LOA may impact a student's SEVIS record and their ability to remain in the country legally. Students with an LOA of five months or more will need new documentation to re-enter the country, and their current I-20 and visa may become invalid.
At the University of Florida, for example, students who have been absent for three consecutive semesters will need to apply for readmission. They must initiate the readmission process, including submitting an application and paying the applicable fee, before applying for a new visa.
At the University of Southern California, students who have a terminated SEVIS record for more than five months will need an Initial Attendance Form I-20/DS-2019 (new SEVIS ID number) to return to the US and resume their studies. Students who withdraw from their classes after the last add/drop date of the semester are not eligible for an LOA for immigration purposes, and their SEVIS records will be terminated.
Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is a document issued by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to a foreign student, confirming their acceptance into a course or program of study. LOAs are particularly important for international students as they are a crucial component of the foreign national study permit application procedure.
In Canada, LOAs, along with provincial attestation letters (PALs), are essential for international students' study permit applications. The IRCC has updated its standards, listing the mandatory elements that Canadian DLIs must include in the LOA. These include the student's full name, date of birth, and mailing address, as well as the institution's name, official contact details, and DLI number.
Students may need to pay a non-refundable LOA fee to process their admission and LOA. This fee is typically considered towards the tuition fee if the student starts the program. Additionally, deferral or renewal requests for an LOA must be submitted in a timely manner, usually before the LOA expiry date.
In summary, both types of LOA can impact visa applications for international students. For a Leave of Absence, students should consult their academic institution to understand the specific rules and how it may affect their visa status. For a Letter of Acceptance, the LOA is an essential component of the visa application process, providing confirmation of the student's acceptance into a course or program.
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Impact on international students' status
The impact of a Leave of Absence (LOA) on international students' status depends on the duration of the LOA, the type of visa they hold, and the specific policies of their host country and academic institution. Here are some key considerations regarding the impact of LOA on international students' status:
Impact on Visa Status
The impact of an LOA on an international student's visa status can vary. In some cases, a short LOA may not affect their visa, while a longer one might. For instance, at the University of Florida, an LOA for five months or more will result in the student's current I-20 and visa becoming invalid, and they will need to initiate a readmission process, including a visa application. Similarly, at the University of Southern California (USC), students with a terminated SEVIS record for more than five months will need to obtain a new Initial Attendance Form and re-establish eligibility for practical training.
Impact on Legal Status in the Host Country
An LOA can also impact an international student's legal status in their host country. For example, at USC, failure to submit an LOA request on time can result in the termination of the student's SEVIS record, jeopardizing their ability to legally remain in the US. On the other hand, at McGill University in Canada, international students on an approved LOA are authorized to remain in Canada with a valid study permit for 150 days from the start of their leave.
Impact on Enrollment and Academic Status
An LOA will typically result in a temporary or permanent withdrawal from enrolled courses or programs. This can affect an international student's academic progress and may require them to reapply for admission or enrollment upon their return. At McGill University, international students on an approved LOA may need to request formal readmittance or re-enrolment to register for courses following their leave.
Impact on Work Authorization
International students on an LOA are generally not authorized to work in their host country. For example, at McGill University, international students are explicitly not permitted to work in Canada during their LOA, and working without authorization can have serious implications for future immigration applications.
Impact on Health Insurance and Other Benefits
An LOA may also impact an international student's access to health insurance and other benefits provided by their academic institution. For instance, at McGill University, international students who remain in Canada during their LOA must ensure they have health insurance coverage and can opt into the International Health Insurance (IHI) plan.
In summary, the impact of an LOA on international students' status can encompass visa requirements, legal status, enrollment and academic progress, work authorization, and access to benefits. It is essential for international students to carefully review the policies of their host country and academic institution before requesting an LOA to understand the potential implications and make informed decisions.
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Documentation required for LOA
A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a university-approved period during which a student can suspend and later resume their enrollment and academic activities. The documentation required for an LOA varies depending on the university and the student's individual circumstances. Here is a list of documents that may be required or relevant when applying for or returning from an LOA as an international student:
University of Florida (UF)
- LOA form: Students must submit the LOA form to the International Student Advisor (ISA).
- Flight itinerary: If withdrawing from UF permanently, students should submit a copy of their flight itinerary showing the departure date.
- Passport: Students need to present a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of re-entry into the US).
- Visa: A valid F-1 visa in the passport is required for re-entry.
- Form I-20: Students need to have Form I-20 indicating "Initial Attendance" at UF. For re-entry, the I-20 should have a current travel signature (less than a year old).
- SEVIS/I-20 record: Students should maintain an Active SEVIS/I-20 record during their LOA. If the LOA is for five months or more, the current I-20 and visa will become invalid, and a new I-20 and visa application will be needed for re-entry.
Cape Breton University (CBU)
- Consultation with an International Student Advisor: CBU students must consult with an advisor prior to applying for an LOA.
- Formal request: Students must submit a formal request for an LOA, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Return-to-Studies Plan: CBU requires students to prepare a plan for returning to their studies in consultation with their Program Area.
- Health insurance: Students must enroll in an emergency health plan during their LOA, as they will not be covered by the GaurdMe group health insurance plan.
University of Southern California (USC)
- Standard LOA Request: Students must submit their request to the Office of International Services (OIS) by the first day of the semester.
- Initial Attendance Form I-20/DS-2019: Students with a terminated SEVIS record for more than five months will need this form to return to the US and resume studies at USC.
- Practical training eligibility: F-1 students who have been on LOA for more than five months will need to reestablish eligibility for practical training by completing two semesters of coursework upon their return.
- Assistantship: Students with an assistantship should discuss whether it will be available when they return to USC.
It is important to note that the above information may not be exhaustive, and students should always refer to their university's specific guidelines and consult with relevant advisors when planning for an LOA.
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LOA and employment
A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a temporary break from university, which may be necessary during an academic program due to personal, financial, or health reasons. The impact of an LOA on employment depends on the student's visa status and the country they are studying in.
United States
In the United States, F-1 students may work no more than 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in session and 40 hours per week during official college breaks. They cannot work off-campus without prior authorization from the college and U.S. Immigration. To work off-campus, international students must obtain proper work authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and/or the U.S. F-1 students who wish to take an LOA and remain in the U.S. must receive authorization from their International Student Advisor and meet with them to get their LOA approved. They must also depart the U.S. within 15 days from the day the LOA is approved.
Canada
International students in Canada on an approved LOA are not authorized to work during their LOA. If they remain in Canada during their LOA, they must be covered by health insurance and can opt into the International Health Insurance (IHI) plan.
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LOA fees
A LOA, or Letter of Acceptance, is an important document for international students who wish to study in Canada. The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has implemented standards and guidelines for Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to ensure the validity and authenticity of LOAs. This includes mandatory elements that must be included in the letter, such as the student's personal information, institution details, type of school, field of study, duration of the course, and tuition fees.
Regarding LOA fees, there are a few different scenarios to consider:
LOA Fee for Processing Admission and LOA:
Some educational institutions, such as Can-College, charge a non-refundable LOA fee to process the admission and LOA. This fee typically ranges from $250 CAD to $500 CAD. It is important to note that this fee is not refunded if a visa application is rejected. However, it is considered towards the tuition fee if the student receives a visa and starts the program.
Deposit Requirements for LOA:
Certain colleges, like Douglas College, require international students to submit a deposit by the date stated in the offer letter to obtain a Letter of Acceptance. This deposit, which is typically a significant amount such as $9,500 CAD, is applied towards the first semester's tuition and fees. It becomes non-refundable once the initial LOA is issued, except under specific conditions outlined in the college's refund policy.
Deferral and Renewal Fees:
In some cases, students may need to request a deferral or renewal of their LOA. Can-College, for instance, charges a fee of $500 CAD for deferral or LOA renewal requests made within 30 days of the LOA expiry date. Additional deferral requests after the visa application has been submitted are also subject to a fee of $250 CAD, payable to the Dean. Similarly, Fanshawe College mentions a $100 deposit that must be submitted with the application, which is later applied to the student's tuition.
Readmission Fees:
If an international student takes a Leave of Absence (LOA) from their university for an extended period, they may need to apply for readmission. For example, at the University of Florida, students who have been absent for three consecutive semesters must apply for readmission. This readmission process typically involves a fee, in addition to the regular tuition fees that apply upon the student's return.
It is important to note that LOA fees and processes may vary depending on the educational institution and the country in which it is located. Students should always refer to the specific guidelines provided by their chosen institution and country of study to understand the applicable fees and requirements associated with obtaining and maintaining a valid LOA.
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Frequently asked questions
LOA stands for Leave of Absence. It is a period of time when a student is allowed to be absent from their university or college.
The process for requesting a LOA varies by university. Typically, students must submit a formal request or a LOA form by a specific deadline, and the request must be approved by the university.
Yes, international students on a LOA are typically not authorized to work in their host country and may need to maintain valid health insurance coverage. They may also be required to depart the country within a certain timeframe.
The impact on an international student's visa depends on the length of the LOA. A LOA of five months or more may result in the visa becoming invalid, and a new visa may need to be obtained upon returning to resume studies.
A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is a document issued by a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to a foreign student, confirming their acceptance into a course or program. It is a crucial component of the foreign national study permit application procedure.
