Requesting or Returning from a Leave of Absence

This webpage is intended for current F-1 international students who wish to take a leave of absence (LOA) from Stevens.

Sometimes students in F-1 status may need to take a leave of absence from their studies or cannot return to the U.S. to resume their studies due to personal circumstances. Since F-1 status is tied to enrollment verification during each fall and spring semester, not enrolling in classes directly impacts an F-1 student’s immigration status. Not enrolling properly during the fall or spring semester can lead to the termination of an F-1 student’s immigration status. A “Failure to Enroll” termination of a student’s SEVIS record will leave a ‘negative’ mark on the student’s immigration record and may have negative consequences in the future.

If a student decides to take a leave of absence from Stevens, F-1 regulations allow students to apply for an Authorized Early Withdrawal (AEW). An Authorized Early Withdrawal will result in a non-violation termination of a student’s SEVIS record.

Important Note: Students whose SEVIS records are closed for Authorized Early Withdrawal will have 15 days from their SEVIS record closure to depart the U.S.

Students who wish to take a leave of absence during the current semester should reach out to ISSS directly for advisement at [email protected]. Students will not be able to drop/withdraw from their courses in the current semester without prior ISSS approval.

Students who wish to complete the current semester and then take a leave of absence should also reach out to ISSS for advisement at [email protected]. Typically, students must confirm their plans before the upcoming semester begins and make sure they have exited the U.S. before the first day of classes if they wish to not register in the upcoming semester.

Students may begin the process by completing and submitting the Leave of Absence/Authorized Early Withdrawal Request in the ISSS Student Portal.

Additional Information on requesting an AEW/LOA

Additional Considerations

  • Taking a LOA/AEW may impact future work authorization eligibility such as CPT or OPT, should you decide to return to Stevens to complete your studies. Please review the information available on the ISSS CPT Work Authorization and OPT Work Authorization webpages to learn more about CPT and OPT eligibility requirements.

  • A termination of status may impact future immigration applications, visa issuance abroad, and admittance to the U.S.

  • Remember! Your academic status is separate from your immigration status and students who wish to take a LOA/AEW will need to complete processes on both the immigration and academic side. Students who have questions about their academic status and the academic steps they may need to take should reach out to their academic department and Undergraduate/Graduate Academics. Your academic advisor may also be able to assist.

Undergraduate Students

  • Undergraduate students in F-1 status will need to reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Academics (OUA) and their academic department to discuss taking a leave of absence from their studies and to learn what steps they will need to take on the academic side.

  • Undergraduate students should also inform the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Student Accounts, and Residential Life (if living on campus) about their decision to take a leave of absence. If a student fails to inform relevant offices, they may be responsible for tuition, fees, or other charges.

Graduate Students

  • Graduate students in F-1 status should reach out to Graduate Education and their academic department to discuss taking a leave of absence from their studies and to learn what steps they will need to take on the academic side.

  • Graduate students should also inform the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Student Accounts, and Residential Life (if living on campus) about their decision to take a leave of absence. If a student fails to inform relevant offices, they may be responsible for tuition, fees, or other charges.

Returning from Leave of Absence

Students whose SEVIS records were closed for an Authorized Early Withdrawal and who wish to return to the U.S. and Stevens to continue their studies in F-1 status must complete and submit the Return from LOA Request, along with all supporting documents, in the ISSS Student Portal at least 60 days prior to the semester start date in which they wish to return. Once approved, they will receive a new Initial Attendance I-20.

Remember! Your previous I-20 is no longer valid and can no longer be used for entry to the U.S. You will need a new Initial Attendance I-20 to be able to re-enter the U.S. to continue your studies at Stevens.

You will need to submit the following documents as part of your Return from LOA Request:

  • A copy of the information page of your passport.

  • Financial Documentation that meets the ISSS requirements indicating sufficient liquid funds for one academic year. If you only need one semester to compete your degree requirements, you may provide proof of sufficient funding for one semester.

  • A completed Undergraduate or Graduate Financial Verification Form.

*A copy of your I-94 travel record indicating your most recent departure from the U.S. may also be required. You may download your I-94 Travel Record from the CBP I-94 webpage.

In addition, your Workday academic record will need to indicate your approved return from a leave of absence for the semester in which you plan to return and will need to indicate the correct number of credits needed for you to complete your degree requirements. Please reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Academics (OUA) or Graduate Education for assistance.

FAQs on Return from Leave of Absences

Will my SEVIS ID Remain the same?

No, you will receive a new Initial Attendance I-20 with a new SEVIS ID Number. Payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee will be required based on the new Initial Attendance I-20 and SEVIS ID.

Will returning from the LOA impact my ability to apply for CPT/OPT?

Students must complete at least two semesters (one fall and one spring semester) on campus after returning from a leave of absence on a new Initial Attendance I-20 in order to regain their eligibility for CPT/OPT. Students who have only one semester remaining to complete their degree requirements will not be eligible to apply for CPT/OPT Work Authorization.

Can I return in the middle of the semester?

No. Students must return only for the next available term (fall or spring semester). Students should contact ISSS at least 60 days prior to the semester start date in which they wish to return.

Can I reactivate my SEVIS instead of requesting a new, initial I-20?

Students who wish to reactivate their previous SEVIS record must contact ISSS at [email protected] to discuss their eligibility for a SEVIS record reactivation. Please note that not all students are eligible for a SEVIS record reactivation and the ultimate approval lies with SEVP, not with ISSS.