To maintain legal status in the U.S., F-1 students are required to notify the ISSS International Advisor of certain personal and academic changes.
While in the United States, students in J-1 non-immigrant status must be continuously enrolled full time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study. If a J-1 student takes a leave of absence, withdraws voluntarily, is suspended or required to withdraw from the University, s/he is required to:
With the exception of suspensions, students are given 15 days to leave the country, transfer to another school or change to another non-immigrant status. Suspended students must leave the U.S. immediately; there is no grace period. The only exception to these rules is a medical leave of absence.
The only exception that allows you to stay in the United States while on a Leave of Abence is a medical leave of absence. If a student requests a medical LOA, ISSS will continue to maintain his/her SEVIS record. When the student returns to resume full time enrollment s/he can do so by using the same SEVIS DS-2019.
All J-1 students must meet with an ISSS adviser before requesting a Leave of Absence.