• If your SEVIS record is terminated, you must leave the U.S. within 15 days.

• A terminated record means your status is inactive and does not allow you to enter back in F-1 status until your SEVIS record is reactivated. 

• If your leave is for a documentable medical reason, you can be authorized for a reduced course load based on medical conditions before the start of the term, and your SEVIS record will remain active. Read more about F-1 Reduced Course Load before submitting a Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Request.

• If your leave of absence is more than five months, you will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training based on your previous time as an F-1 student. You will need to complete another academic year before you would be eligible for OPT. 

• Students who withdraw from all of their classes in their first semester are NOT eligible for a leave of absence. They must either depart the U.S. within 15 days of the withdrawal or request the transfer of their SEVIS record to another school in the U.S. Schedule an appointment with an OIA advisor immediately if you must withdraw from all classes in the first semester.

• A return to active status is not always guaranteed and is subject to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approval. 

Follow all steps in the order presented below: 

• Talk to your academic department about the possibility of resuming your studies after your withdrawal; agree on the timeline for continuing studies.
• Contact the Office of International Services to request counseling from an International Student Advisor. Warning! If you do not contact the Office of International Services first, you will not qualify for an additional 15-day period for departure. Also, the DSO will be obligated to terminate your SEVIS record for “Unauthorized Early Withdrawal,” which could have severe consequences for future study, work, or travel in the U.S.
• Submit a Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Request in the International Services Portal (this is separate from any forms your College or the Registrar's Office requests).
• After receiving approval for your request, submit any required documents as mandated by your College and the Registrar’s Office.
• Notify Student Accounts to inform them of your Leave of Absence.
• Prepare for departure by paying all TJU and personal bills, notifying the Housing Office or landlord, and leaving a forwarding address with the Post Office.
• Leave the U.S. within 15 days.

Returning to the U.S. after a Leave of Absence as an F-1 student involves specific steps and procedures, which vary depending on the duration of absence—either less than five months or more than five months. 

Returning with Less Than Five Months Absence:

• Before your return, confirm that your visa remains valid.
• Contact the Office of International Services at least 60 days prior to your intended return date. Provide a copy of your returning flight itinerary. 
• The Office of International Services will request SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) to reinstate your suspended record to Active status. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks, so timely contact with your International Student Advisor is crucial.
• Once the SEVIS record is reactivated, you'll receive an updated version of your prior I-20 with the same SEVIS number.
• Upon arrival, visit the Office of International Services with your immigration documents and obtain a copy of your I-94.

Returning After Five Months Absence:

• Contact the Office of International Services at least 60 days before your return to obtain a new SEVIS record. Submit recent financial statements and required documents through the International Services Portal.
• If eligible, your International Student Advisor will create a new SEVIS record and process a new I-20 for you.
• After receiving the new I-20, pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
• If your visa has expired, apply for and obtain a new visa.
• Upon arrival, report to the Office of International Services with your immigration documents and obtain your new I-94.

To permanently withdraw from the program and maintain proper immigration status, follow these steps:

• Inform your academic program about your intent to withdraw.
• Submit a Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Request through the International Services Portal and schedule an appointment with the Office of International Services.
• After OIS’ approval, complete any necessary submissions required by your College and the Registrar’s Office.
• Inform Student Accounts about your withdrawal.
• Prepare for departure by settling all outstanding TJU and personal bills, informing the Housing Office or landlord, and leaving a forwarding address with the Post Office.
• Depart the U.S. within 15 days from the date of approval.