International Students

Leave of Absence

Students who need to take a break from their studies but are not eligible for a vacation term might be eligible to take a Leave of Absence (LOA), depart the U.S., and return to study at PCC the following term.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Leave of Absence, you must:

  • Have been registered for the previous term (not on a vacation term) or are registered for the current term
  • Plan to depart the U.S.
  • Plan to return to study at PCC the following term

Procedure

If you wish to apply for a Leave of Absence, you must follow the steps below:

  • Submit the SEVIS Request Form for “Leave of Absence (LOA)” and upload a copy of your flight itinerary.
  • After your request is approved and your departure date is finalized, your SEVIS Record will be terminated for “Authorized Early Withdrawal.”
  • After your SEVIS Record is terminated, you will have 15 days to depart the U.S.
  • The SEVIS Coordinator will request that your SEVIS Record is reactivated 60 days before the start of the next term or when the return itinerary is received, whichever occurs later.
  • You must provide your return itinerary no later than 14 days before your return to the U.S.
    • If you submit it less than 14 days before your flight to the U.S., we cannot guarantee that you will receive your new I-20 before your return date.
  • You cannot return to the U.S. more than 30 days before the beginning of the term.

Deadline

The SEVIS Request Form must be submitted by the first Friday of the term, if not registered for classes. Otherwise, it must be submitted before departure from the U.S.

Additional Information

  • If you return to the U.S. without a new I-20 after the SEVIS Record termination, you will not be able to enter the U.S. in F-1 status.
  • You must study for 3 consecutive terms after your return before you are eligible for a vacation term.
  • If you do not return to study at PCC for the next term, your SEVIS record cannot be reactivated. In order to return to study in the U.S., you must reapply. You will receive a new SEVIS ID number, and you must pay the SEVIS fee again.
  • If your visa is expired or you changed your status while in the U.S., you must apply for a new F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of citizenship or residence.

This page is maintained by the OISS SEVIS Team.