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Leave of Absence

  • Requesting a Leave of Absence

    Requesting a Leave of Absence


    Any F-1 student who wishes to take a leave of absence must first notify Visa and Immigration Services by logging in to accessVIS and completing the Ending My F-1 Status eform request.

    With proper notification and completion of the required form, the student's SEVIS record will be terminated for the positive reason, “Authorized Early Withdrawal (AEW).” Termination of the SEVIS record for AEW should not have an adverse effect on the student's ability to return for a future semester.

    Upon termination, the student will be allotted 15 days to depart the U.S.

  • Returning from a Leave of Absence

    Returning from a Leave of Absence


    Returning from a leave of absence applies to students who have taken a leave of absence from Stony Brook University due to medical leave, military duty, or other reasons. Students should begin the process to request an I-20 for returning at least 3 months prior to the semester they wish to return.

    Important Considerations

    • Those who have been outside of the United States for less than 5 months may be eligible to request to have your SEVIS record reactivated and an updated I-20 with valid travel signature issued. Please note the reactivation of your F-1 record is at the discretion of SEVP and not guaranteed. SEVP will only accept requests for record reactivation 60 days before the semester start date.
    • Those who have been outside of the United States for more than 5 months are required to request a new I-20 (with new SEVIS ID#), pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and may need to apply for a new F-1 visa if their current visa has or will expire prior to your return. The 5 months is calculated from the date you departed the U.S. to the day you will return to the U.S.
    • Students not eligible for record reactivation are issued a new I-20 (with new SEVIS ID#), and are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. If your F-1 visa in your passport will be valid at the time of anticipated entry into the U.S., you may use this visa to enter along with your new I-20. If your F-1 visa has expired (or will expire at the time of entry), you are required to apply for a new F-1 Visa prior to your return.
    Undergraduate Students
    Step 1: Speak to Registrar
    Step 2: Complete the Major/Minor Review Form
    Step 3: Register for the upcoming semester
    Step 4: Submit your request in accessVIS
    Step 5: Receive your new I-20
    Graduate Students
    Step 1: Speak to your Graduate Department
    Step 2: Register for the upcoming semester
    Step 3: Submit your request in accessVIS
    Step 4: Receive your new I-20