International students may face unexpected emergencies that require them to leave the U.S. on short notice. In such cases, it’s important to follow the proper procedures by notifying their Designated School Official (DSO) and getting approval for a temporary leave. Following the correct protocol helps protect their immigration status and ensures they can return to the U.S. without issues when ready to resume their studies.
Emergency Leave of Absence (F-1 Students Leaving the U.S.)
Before leaving the U.S. for an emergency or personal reason, F-1 students must speak with their Designated School Official (DSO) to request a leave of absence. If approved, your SEVIS record will be terminated for authorized early withdrawal, and you will have 15 days to leave the U.S.
If you leave without notifying your DSO, your SEVIS record will be terminated for unauthorized withdrawal, and you won’t get the 15-day grace period. This can affect your ability to return to the U.S.
Returning to the U.S.
You must return:
Within 5 months of your SEVIS termination date
At the start of a new semester or term
Contact your DSO before returning so they can reactivate your SEVIS record. Do this at least one month before your planned return.
Be Aware When Re-Entering the U.S. on a New SEVIS Record
F-1 Students: Be Aware When Re-Entering the U.S. on a New SEVIS Record.
If you’re an F-1 student with a new SEVIS record after your previous record was completed or terminated and you’re using a valid F-1 visa to depart and re-enter the U.S., there is a critical detail you must not overlook.
At the port of entry, ensure that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) adds your entry to the correct, initial/active SEVIS record. You have the right to ask the officer to verify this. In fact, it is in your best interest to do so.
Why?
In some cases, CBP has mistakenly logged the re-entry under the old, completed or terminated SEVIS record. When this happens, the student is technically not in status, even if their I-20 and visa appear valid.
Your entry must be attached to your new, Initial I-20 the one issued with the new SEVIS ID. This is what restores and confirms your legal F-1 status.
If you suspect this happened to you (or someone you know), visit your nearest Port of Entry office (Deferred Inspection Site) as soon as possible and request that the error be corrected.
Yes, it can and should be fixed. Status matters. Don’t assume everything was handled correctly ask questions, confirm, and protect your legal standing.
Global Resource Firm
Case Study Title: Falling Out of Status
Case Study Title: Falling Out of Status – A Wake-Up Call for International Students
Student Profile:
• Name: Omega Barrow
• Country of Origin: United States
• Visa Type: F-1
• Degree Program: Bachelor’s in Computer Science
• School: State University
• Start Date: Fall 2023
Situation Overview:
In Spring 2024, Omega was struggling emotionally and academically due to family issues back home. She was overwhelmed and decided to drop one of her courses, bringing her enrollment down to 9 credit hours. She didn’t consult the Designated School Official (DSO) before dropping the course.
Two months later, she received an email from the International Student Office informing her that she violated her F-1 status by not maintaining a full course load and had been reported in SEVIS as “failure to maintain a full course load.”
Key Mistakes Made:
• Omega did not get prior approval for a Reduced Course Load (RCL).
• She assumed mental health concerns would be automatically understood as a valid reason.
• She waited too long to ask for help.
Corrective Action Taken:
With support from an immigration consultant and her school’s DSO, Omega filed an I-539 Reinstatement Application to USCIS. She included:
• A personal statement explaining the situation
• Doctor’s letter documenting her emotional hardship
• Support letter from her DSO
• Transcript and course registration showing her effort to re-enroll full time
Case Outcome:
• USCIS Decision: Reinstatement approved (after 6 months)
• Lessons Learned:
• F-1 undergraduate students must always maintain at least 12 credit hours unless they have official, approved exceptions.
• Communication with the DSO is critical.
• It is possible to recover from a status violation, but it requires strong documentation and legal insight.
Global Resource Firm, LLC 