An absence from the United States of 5 months or more, where the student was not participating full-time in study abroad or graduate research abroad, is considered a non-temporary leave of absence. If a student wishes to return to the United States to resume studies or begin new studies, a new SEVIS record will have to be created, a new I-20 would have to be issued from the new SEVIS record, and the SEVIS I-901 fee would have to be paid. In this case, the student is considered an initial student, and the clock for eligibility for F-1 benefits such as practical training and off-campus work authorization is reset.

Before taking a leave of absence for 5 or more months, please contact your immigration advisor at CGE.

El-Houcin Chaqra at El-Houcin.Chaqra@indstate.edu

Maria Chaqra at Maria.Chaqra@indstate.edu

Jennifer McClure at Jennifer.Mcclure@indstate.edu