Return to SBU After a Leave or Time Outside the U.S.

If you plan to return to campus after a leave of absence or a period of remote study outside the United States, you must request a new or updated Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) before you return.

Start this process at least 3 months before your planned return date to avoid delays.

Important Considerations

Your options and requirements depend on how long you have been outside the United States.

If you have been outside the U.S. for less than 5 months

• You may be eligible for SEVIS record reactivation and an updated Form I-20 with a valid travel signature.
• Reactivation is not guaranteed and is granted at the discretion of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• You must submit your reactivation request within 60 days of your semester start date.
  
  

If you have been outside the U.S. for more than 5 months

• You must request a new Form I-20 with a new SEVIS ID.
• You must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee again.
• You must apply for a new F-1 visa if your current visa is expired or will expire before your return.
• The 5-month period is calculated from your U.S. departure date to your planned reentry date.

Academic and OPT implications

If you return in initial F-1 status (not eligible for reactivation):

• You must enroll full-time in your first semester, even if you need fewer credits to graduate.
• A reduced course load for your final semester is not permitted.
• Your eligibility clock resets. You must complete one full academic year before applying for benefits such as CPT or OPT.
• If you have only one semester remaining, you may not be eligible for OPT.

How to Apply

Follow all steps below to request your Form I-20.

Step 1: Contact Your Academic Office

Confirm your academic status before requesting your I-20.

• Undergraduate Students:
  Contact the Registrar’s Office to confirm if you need to rematriculate.
  If required, complete the Undergraduate Rematriculation Form.
• Master’s and PhD Students:
  Contact the Graduate School to confirm if readmission or reactivation is required.
  If required, submit the Readmission Form to your academic program.

Step 2: Register Full-Time

You must be registered full-time before your Form I-20 can be issued.

• Undergraduate Students:
  Fall/Spring: at least 12 credits
  Summer: at least 6 credits per session, including 3 in-person or hybrid credits
• Master’s and PhD Students:
  Fall/Spring: at least 9 credits
  Summer: at least 4.5 credits per session, including 3 in-person or hybrid credits

Note: If you begin in Summer Session II, you must still meet the same enrollment requirements for that session.

Step 3: Submit the Request in accessVIS

1. Log in to accessVIS and submit the Request to Return to Campus e-form.
2. If your NetID is inactive, request a Limited Services PIN to access the system.
3. After you submit your academic advisor or program will receive a request to confirm:
   • Your academic standing
   • Your expected graduation date

Step 4: VIS Review and I-20 Issuance

Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) will:

• Review your request and academic verification
• Determine your eligibility (reactivation or new record)
• Issue your updated or new Form I-20

You will receive your Form I-20 electronically once processing is complete.

Plan Ahead

• Start early to allow time for processing, visa appointments, and travel planning.
• Do not make final travel plans until you receive your Form I-20 and confirm your visa status.

If you have questions, contact Visa and Immigration Services before you begin.