Studying in the U.S. - Gap Year

This article explains the procedures for F-1 visa holders to take a leave of absence and resume studies.

Applying for a Leave of Absence

Each school has its own procedures for taking a leave of absence. Students should contact the International Students Office at their school to inquire about the procedures, deadlines, and required documents.

Students usually need to fill out an application form, explaining the reasons for and duration of the leave. Once approved by the International Students Office, your SEVIS ID will be terminated for "Authorized Early Withdrawal" on the scheduled leave date. You must leave the U.S. within 15 days after this date.

Procedure for Returning from a Leave of Absence

Situation 1: Leave of Absence Less Than 5 Months

If your leave of absence is less than 5 months, you can apply to reactivate your SEVIS. Once approved by USCIS, your SEVIS ID will be reactivated. In doing so, you can continue using your previous I-20 and F-1 visa (if they have not expired).

Steps to apply for SEVIS reactivation:

1. Contact your school's DSO and submit the required documents. After confirming your eligibility, the DSO will submit an application to USCIS to reactivate your F-1 status. This process takes 1-4 weeks. Additionally, USCIS may request additional documents from both the school and the student, such as transcripts and travel proof. Students must submit these documents to the school within 1-2 days.

2. Once your SEVIS ID is reactivated, the International Students Office will send you a new I-20. You can enter the U.S. within 30 days before the start of the next semester. Do not enter the U.S. until you have received the new I-20.

3. If your reactivation application is denied, you will need to apply for a new SEVIS ID.

Situation 2: Leave of Absence Longer Than 5 Months

If your leave of absence is longer than 5 months, you will need to apply for a new F-1 visa and a new I-20. It is recommended to submit the "Initial I-20/DS-2019 Request Form" 3 months before returning to school. This allows the school enough time to review your materials and issue a new I-20.

After receiving the I-20, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee and enter the U.S. within 30 days before the program start date with a valid F-1 visa. If your F-1 visa has expired, you will need to schedule a visa interview.

Q&A

1. What are the potential impacts of applying for a new SEVIS ID?

According to USCIS regulations, F-1 students must study in the U.S. for a full academic year before they can apply for CPT or OPT. If your SEVIS is terminated, the time calculation will reset from the effective date of the new SEVIS. For example, if a student is enrolled in a two-year master's program and their SEVIS ID is never terminated, they will be eligible for OPT after graduation. However, if a student obtains a new SEVIS ID after studying for more than a year, they will not be eligible for OPT upon graduation, as the duration of the new SEVIS ID would be less than a full academic year.

2. Do I need the DSO's "travel signature" for leaving the country during a gap year?

If you return to school within one semester and use your original I-20 and SEVIS ID to re-enter the U.S., you will need a travel signature. If your leave of absence exceeds 5 months and you re-enter the U.S. with a new I-20 and SEVIS ID, a travel signature is not required. If you are unsure about the length of your leave, it is advisable to obtain a valid travel signature from the International Students Office before leaving the country.