Center for Education Abroad
Research or Study Abroad
International students sometimes elect to study or conduct research abroad as part of their academic program. It is possible for ISO to maintain your current F-1 or J-1 record in SEVIS while you are out of the country, but only if you will continue enrollment at the University of Rochester.
Eligibility
To be eligible for study or research abroad:
- You must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic term in Rochester.
- You must continue full-time registration at the University of Rochester for the academic term(s) and maintain progress toward your degree requirements while abroad.
Here’s what you’ll need to know
Our staff will monitor your academic record and report registration information to SEVIS while you are away from Rochester. You must carry full-time registration at the University of Rochester for the academic term(s) and maintain progress toward your degree requirements while abroad.
We’ll help you obtain an updated travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 prior to your return to the United States. Please allow sufficient time for a new document to be issued and emailed to you prior to your planned re-entry.
During your time overseas, you must maintain communication with ISO to ensure that your F-1 or J-1 status remains valid and that you are able to re-enter the country and resume your studies in Rochester as planned. If your activities abroad will extend more than 12 months beyond the travel signature found on your I-20 or DS-2019, it may be necessary to issue an updated I-20 or DS-2019 while you are away.
If you’ll be out of the country for an academic term and are not participating full-time in authorized study/research abroad, you’ll need to take a leave of absence. This means your current SEVIS record will be terminated.
Learn more about leaves of absence
Consult with an ISO advisor to discuss your plans before leaving the US and to request necessary documentation.