International Students Returning from University Leave of Absence

To allow time for I-20 and possibly visa issuance you should begin this process in the semester prior to the semester you plan to return. Contact your College advisor to complete the Return from University Leave of Absence Request form. Requests to return from a University leave of absence should be submitted no later than October 1 for the spring semester and March 1 for the fall semester. Financial aid recipients are responsible for filing their aid forms in a timely manner and should consult with their financial aid counselor prior to beginning the return from University leave of absence process.

If you’ve been away for less than 5 months, your next step is to fill out the International Services Office’s (ISO) Leave of Absence form, check the box for “Return from short-term Leave of Absence,” and email it to cascas@ur.rochester.edu.

If you’ve been away for longer than 5 months, you will need to request a new I-20.

LOA flowchart
View the PDF

Requesting a New I-20

Read the New Student Intake Forms: Instructions and Required Information page. If you have any questions regarding the process email cascas@ur.rochester.edu.

Please prepare the following documents in advance:

  • Passport photo ID page.
  • Recent bank documents for one year’s tuition and fees
  • A sponsor letter from the account holder indicating that the funds are available to you for your education costs at the University of Rochester (this is only required if the bank account isn’t in the student’s name).

The start date on your I-20 will be the day classes begin in the semester you are returning. If you are requesting to return during a summer session, please be aware that you need to enroll full time in the summer for a total of 12 credits.

If you have specific questions about travel, your I-20, or visa, you should contact ISO directly at questions@iso.rochester.edu or +1 (585) 275-2866.

On-Campus Housing

After you have been reactivated or readmitted by CCAS contact the Office for Residential Life and Housing Services directly to request on-campus housing as soon as possible. On-campus housing is limited please request early.

Register for Classes

After you have been reactivated, you can register for classes online through UR Student as long as there are no financial or other holds on your record. Use your NetID and password to login. See the registrar’s schedule page for specific information about when to register for courses. The following contacts can help if you need assistance in any of the steps above:

  • University IT for assistance with NetID or password
  • College advisor or your department’s undergraduate coordinator for advisor holds or course selection questions
  • Bursar’s Office for questions about payment, billing, and financial registration holds

Returning from Medical Leave

Students who leave for medical reasons are expected to consult with UHS/UCC to discuss their request to return. Every case must be evaluated individually. Students should contact UHS/UCC well before the deadline to discuss their plans to return. The dean of the College, following the recommendation made by UHS/UCC, will make a final decision regarding reactivation or readmission.

Health Insurance and Health History

Before coming back to the University, you must either enroll in the University Health Insurance Plan or request a waiver. Both can be done online through the University Health Service (UHS) website.

You are also required to complete the Health History Form, which will be mailed to you with your I-20. You can either return the form to UHS by mail or bring it with you when you return to campus and then submit it to UHS immediately upon your arrival.

See UHS’s FAQ page for more information about these requirements.