Overview

Student Immigration Definitions

Obtaining F-1 Student Status at Columbia

Important Information for Students Fully Funded
by Columbia University

Transfer of F-1 Supervision

Change of Status to F-1

Message for Canadian Students

Potential Delays in Visa Issuance

Dependents

Student Tax Information

Maintaining F-1 Status

F-1 Travel Information

Govt Q & A for F-1 Travel

F-1 Extension of Stay (Current Program)

F-1 Extension of Stay to Begin New Program

F-1 Reinstatement

F-1 Work Opportunities

F-1 Practical Training (PT) Overview

F-1 Curricular Practical Training

F-1 Optional PT Before Degree Completion

F-1 Optional PT After Degree Completion

F-1 Internship with an International Organization

F-1 Leave of Absence, Suspension or Withdrawal

Student Departure Information

F-1 Last Term Authorization

Address Change Form

Applying for a Social Security Number

Leave of Absence, Suspension, or Withdrawal by Students in F-1 Status from Columbia University

While in the United States, students in F-1 non-immigrant status must be continuously enrolled full time during the academic year until the completion of their programs of study. If you take a leave of absence, withdraw voluntarily, or are suspended or required to withdraw from the University, you are required to leave the United States, transfer to another F-1 or J-1 program, or obtain a change of non-immigrant status. You are given 15 days to leave the country, transfer to another school or change your non-immigrant status, unless you are suspended or required to withdraw. If you are suspended or required to withdraw, you have no grace period and are required to leave the United States immediately. The only exception to these rules is a medical leave of absence.

If you take a leave of absence, withdraw from your program, or are given a suspension, you must contact the ISSO immediately to discuss your immediate plans and any plans you may have to return.

MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The only exception that allows you to stay in the United States without transferring to another school or changing to another non-immigrant status is a medical leave of absence. Once your school has approved a medical leave of absence, you must also receive approval from the International Students and Scholars Office. The ISSO requires a letter from your physician stating 1) your medical condition, and 2) advising the ISSO that you are unable to register as a student at the time the leave is granted. If the doctor's letter meets immigration regulations, you are allowed to stay in the United States during the semester as long as you register for the following semester. Under immigration regulations, only one year of medical leave is allowed per degree level and may be authorized in semester increments only.

OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES LESS THAN 5 MONTHS

If you leave the United States and stay abroad for less than 5 months, you may use your current I-20 to return, provided you return, register and resume a full course of study. The I-20 must have a completion date in the future and be recertified within the last year. You are not required to pay a SEVIS fee to enter the United States. To return to the U.S., you will need a valid passport and a valid visa stamp together with the I-20.

OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES MORE THAN 5 MONTHS

If you have been out of the U.S. for more than 5 months, your record in SEVIS is "terminated" and you are required to obtain a new I-20. You should make your request by sending a fax to 212-854-3966. The fax should include the following:

• Letter from your school stating that you are allowed to return to your studies.
• Funding documentation to cover one year of tuition, fees and living expenses
• Address where the new form should be mailed to.

Please note that you will need to pay the SEVIS fee in order to return to the United States. You can do so at the SEVIS I-901 Fee website (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm). State Department regulations require that you apply for a new F-1 visa, even if your current F-1 visa has not expired, if you have been out of the U.S. for 5 months or more and you have not been registered during this period. You also need a valid passport.

Important Considerations:

• If you wish to make short-term, temporary visits to the U.S. during the period that you are on leave, suspended or withdrawn from the University, you should not enter in F-1 status but rather on a different visa, such as a B-2 visitor's visa. You may enter in Student Status only if you are returning for the purpose of resuming your studies.
  
  
• While on leave or withdrawal from studies, you are not permitted to engage in any student-based employment in the U.S., whether on-campus or off-campus. If you wish to take a leave of absence to pursue employment or any other activities in the U.S., you will have to change your immigration status accordingly and should speak with an ISSO adviser about your plans.
  

Last reviewed: 20 August 2007 Last modified: 20 August 2007
International Students and Scholars Office
Columbia University