Leave of Absence Form (PDF)
Leave of Absence
F-1 and J-1 students may need to take a Leave of Absence (LOA) from their studies for various reasons, such as personal or family matters, medical issues, or to pursue non-academic study or work opportunities abroad. A LOA is different from a suspension or expulsion, which involve mandatory interruptions to your studies due to academic or conduct-related issues. In contrast, a LOA is typically voluntary and does not impact your eligibility to return to school in the future.
You should request a LOA if you need to take more time off than would be allowed by the exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirements.
Leave of absence process
Start discussing plans for a potential LOA in detail with an ISO advisor as early as possible. ISO will help determine the most appropriate reporting for your F-1 or J-1 record. This will be based on the arrangements you make with your specific school, division, or program at the University.
- Consult with your academic department
- Inform ISO of your LOA request by submitting the Temporary Leave of Absence form (PDF)
Impact on immigration status
If you request a leave of absence while you are outside the United States, you are generally not eligible to return once the leave goes into effect. Additionally, if your leave of absence is approved and you are no longer maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status, you will be granted a 15-day grace period to depart the U.S. It is important to make travel arrangements immediately to ensure you leave within the allowed timeframe and remain in compliance with immigration regulations.
In most cases, the LOA requires a termination of your current F-1 or J-1 record. This triggers a limited grace period to leave the U.S. or request permission to stay here in another status.
Returning to your studies
The process to return will differ depending on how long you were outside the U.S. Please review the information below to determine which process is most appropriate for your situation.
If you take a leave of absence, leave the US, and return to your studies within five months, it may be possible to reactivate your current F-1 or J-1 record before you return. Generally, this five-month limit is calculated using your last and next dates of academic enrollment.
When you are prepared to return, use the Return from Leave of Absence e-form to confirm that arrangements are made with the appropriate school (or division, program, etc.) and that the date you’re expected to enroll. ISO can submit a correction request that your SEVIS record be changed back to active status up to 60 days before you resume your studies.
As a result:
- You will be able to use your current I-20 or DS-2019
- Your unexpired visa will remain valid
- You will not have to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again
Notify ISO of your travel plans in case you need a travel letter to explain your situation while the correction is pending.
Immigration rules won’t allow you to return using the same SEVIS record after an extended absence longer than one academic term. You will need to request a new SEVIS record and will be treated as a new student for immigration purposes.
When you’re prepared to return to the University of Rochester, coordinate with your academic department to use the New Student Intake Forms (NSIF) to begin the process for a new I-20 or DS-2019. You should submit the completed forms and upload required documentation at least three months in advance to allow time for processing.
You’ll be required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again, and may need to renew your visa stamp before traveling. As a returning student under a new SEVIS record, you won’t be eligible for certain immigration benefits right away. For more information, reference our NSIF page.