Leave of Absence

• Requesting a Leave of Absence

  Requesting a Leave of Absence

  Any J-1 student discontinuing their education at Stony Brook to take a leave of absence (not enroll in classes for a semester or more) must first notify Visa and Immigration Services by logging in to accessVIS and completing the "Ending My J-1 Status" eForm request.  

  Upon approval of your request, your J-1 SEVIS record will be terminated for “authorized early withdrawal” and you will be allotted 15 days to depart the U.S.

• Returning from a Leave of Absence

  Returning From a Leave of Absence

  Readmission 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 DS-2019 for readmission at least 3 months prior to the semester they wish to return.

  Step 1: Request a new DS-2019 from VIS

  3 months before you plan to return to Stony Brook, email vis@stonybrook.edu with your name, university ID number, and the semester in which you plan to resume your studies.

  We will assist you in obtaining a new DS-2019. You will be asked to provide us with updated information, including your passport identity page and financial documentation.

  Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee

  When returning from a leave of absence, you must pay the SEVIS Fee again.

  Step 3: Apply for a new J-1 visa

  When returning from a leave of absence, you must receive a new J-1 visa.

  Step 4: Submit the immigration Intake upon arrival

  Upon your arrival in the U.S., you must complete the mandatory Orientation and Immigration Intake process.