Medical Leave of Absence (LOA)

International Students Navigating School & Work in the U.S.

As an international student, your education journey is about more than classes it’s also about understanding the rules that protect your status.

One important reminder:

If you take a Medical Leave of Absence (LOA), you are not allowed to work on CPT during that period. This is something many students don’t realize until it’s too late. A medical LOA is meant for rest, recovery, and focusing on your health. Employment authorization (like CPT) is tied to being enrolled and maintaining your active F-1 status, so taking leave changes what you’re eligible for.

Here’s what you should keep in mind:
✅ CPT requires you to be enrolled and in valid status.
✅ If your SEVIS record is placed on medical LOA, you cannot legally work on CPT.
✅ Always speak with your DSO before making decisions about leave, work, or your immigration status.

Remember: taking care of your health is just as important as your academics. Protect your status, protect your peace, and plan ahead so that when you return, you’re ready to move forward stronger.

H-1B Employment

If you are an F-1 student planning to move into H-1B employment, there are new rules that may help you.

What Changed?

As of January 17, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) updated the H-1B program. Before, the “cap-gap” (the time between the end of your F-1/OPT and the start of your H-1B job) only lasted until October 1. Now, it has been extended until April 1 of the same fiscal year.

This means if your employer files a timely H-1B petition for you, your F-1 status and work authorization can automatically continue all the way to April 1st giving you more time and fewer gaps.

What Is the Cap-Gap?

The “cap-gap” is the period between:
* When your F-1/OPT ends, and
* When your H-1B job officially starts.

The cap-gap rule lets you keep your F-1 status and work authorization, so you don’t fall out of status or lose your job while waiting for your H-1B to begin.

Who Qualifies?

You may be eligible if:
* You are still in valid F-1 status.
* You are on OPT or STEM OPT.
* You did not break any F-1 rules.
* Your employer filed an H-1B petition for you on time, requesting:
* A change of status (not consular processing), and
* A start date in the fiscal year for which H-1B is requested.

⚠️ If your H-1B petition is denied, withdrawn, rejected, or revoked, your automatic extension ends right away.

Next Step

Always check with your DSO (Designated School Official)to confirm your eligibility and make sure you meet all requirements and deadlines.

International Students Transferring Schools

Important Reminder for International Students Transferring Schools

If you are transferring to a new school, it is critical that your SEVIS record is transferred in a timely manner. Failure to transfer your SEVIS record on time may result in your record being placed in Completed or Terminated status, which can jeopardize your F-1 status.

Once your SEVIS record has been successfully transferred, you must promptly obtain your new I-20 from the Designated School Official (DSO) at your new institution. If the I-20 is not issued and collected, it may remain in Draft status.

If an I-20 stays in Draft status for more than five (5) months, your DSO will be unable to register your SEVIS record. At that point, additional corrective steps are required to resolve the issue, which may include contacting SEVP for further guidance.

Timely action at each stage of the transfer process is essential to maintaining your lawful F-1 status.