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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
I-20 Recertification
Academic Certification for Travel
F-1
Travel Information
Govt Q &
A for F-1 Travel
DHS Information on Arrival Problems
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
STEM 17-month OPT extension
F-1
Internship with an International Organization
F-1
Leave of Absence, Suspension or Withdrawal
Student Departure Information
F-1
Last Term Authorization
Inviting Relatives/Friends to Visit You
Address
Change Form
Applying
for a Social Security Number
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Leave of Absence, Suspension, or Withdrawal from Columbia University by Students in F-1 Status
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 non-medical leave of absence, withdraw
voluntarily, or are suspended or required to withdraw from the University,
you are required to leave the United States within 15 days of this action.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.
If you are on a medical leave and depart the United States, you may return
using your current documents (valid passport, valid F-1 entry visa and
recertified I-20).
Withdrawal, Voluntary Leave of Absence, Dismissal, Suspension
For all the above categories, F-1 students are required to depart the United States. Your current F-1 status is "terminated" in the SEVIS database and you will need to request a new initial I-20 to return to the U.S. Apply for your new I-20 certificate of eligiblity online at http://isso.columbia.edu Be sure to follow all the instructions on the web site. You will also need to pay a new SEVIS fee and have a valid F-1 entry visa to return.
When you return to the U.S. using your new initial I-20, you must report
in person to the ISSO so that your return to Columbia can be reported
to SEVIS. Bring the new I-20, your passport and I-94 card within the first
week of your entry to the U.S. This is very important as you will lose
your F-1 status if SEVIS is not updated in a timely manner.
Important
Considerations:
- If you have not registered during the academic year for any reason other than a sanctioned medical leave of absence, you will not be eligible for practical training until you have completed one academic year in F-1 status.
- 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.
- If you have taken a medical leave
in the United States, you are not permitted to engage in any student-based
employment in the U.S., whether on-campus or off-campus, until you have been cleared to return to your studies. 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: 15 May 2012 Last modified: 15 May 2012
Columbia University International Students and Scholars Office
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