Temporary Leave of Absence & Early Departure

Students might be required to either take a temporary break from their studies (that does not qualify for a Reduced Course Load) or end their studies early. In both cases, students would need to close their SEVIS records and depart the US within 15 days.

Temporary Leave of Absence & SEVIS Reactivation

If you do not plan to enroll in a required semester (Fall/Spring) or need to depart the US temporarily, but plan to resume and complete your academic program upon returning you should apply for a Temporary Leave of Absence.

• Students that are unable to enroll and/or need a temporary leave of absence should:
  • Meet with the Director of Student Support Services and Intervention to determine Elmhurst University leave of absence eligibility and follow the outlined process
  • Meet with ISS staff to discuss a temporary leave of absence and SEVIS reactivation
• A Temporary Leave of Absence will result in:
  • The Termination of your SEVIS record for Authorized Early Withdrawal, a positive termination reason that should have no bearing on your immigration record
  • The need to depart the US within 15 days of SEVIS termination
    • Students that are unable to enroll in courses and do not qualify for a Reduced Course Load cannot remain in the US
  • You might be eligible for the Reactivation of your SEVIS record if:
    • You applied for the temporary leave of absence before the semester of leave began or before stopping attendance/departure if the semester already began
    • You will return to the US within 5 months of your departure
      • Students must start at the beginning of their return semester
    • You can provide the following:
      • Proof of enrollment in a full course load for your return semester
      • Copy of your return plane ticket before your return up to 30 days before your return semester begins
    • Note: A SEVIS Reactivation cannot be applied for more than 60 days before your requested return semester, but you can submit the required documents beforehand
    • Note: SEVP decides on the eligibility for SEVIS record reactivation requests. If denied, ISS will notify you and ask you to proceed with obtaining a new Initial SEVIS record.
  • If you do not meet the above criteria you will need to obtain a new Initial SEVIS record, which will:
    • Reset your SEVIS status, meaning you’ll need to complete at least one academic year in with a full course load before you are eligible for CPT/OPT
    • Require original, current financial documents (within 6 months of application) and a completed Elmhurst University Declaration of Finances/Affidavit of Support form
    • Require a new I-901 SEVIS Fee payment
    • Note: A new visa is not required if your current F-1 visa is still valid. If you no longer have a valid visa you need to apply for a new one at your embassy, which holds the sole responsibility for deciding your visa application. If denied you will be unable to return to the US and continue your academic program.

Early Departure

If you need to end your academic studies and depart the US early and do not plan to return/resume your studies you should apply for an Early Departure.

• Students that need to end their academic studies/depart the US early and have no plans to return/resume should:
  • Meet with ISS staff to discuss their early departure and Elmhurst University withdrawal policy and process
• An Early Departure will result in:
  • The Termination of your SEVIS record for Authorized Early Withdrawal, a positive termination reason that should have no bearing on your immigration record
  • The need to depart the US within 15 days of SEVIS termination
    • Students that are unable to enroll in courses and do not qualify for a Reduced Course Load cannot remain in the US
  • The need to withdraw from Elmhurst University after the termination of your SEVIS record

Elmhurst Process for Temporary Leave of Absence, Early Departure, and SEVIS Record Action

• Complete the “Temporary Leave of Absence/Early Departure/SEVIS Record Request” form on Etrieve Forms
• Indicate if you are requesting a Temporary Leave of Absence, Early Departure, or SEVIS Record Request
• Submit the specified required documents per your request reason
• ISS staff will reach out to confirm the status of your request and any related follow-up information
• Note: If your address is different upon your return please make sure to update your address in Self-Service and notify ISS staff to update your address in your SEVIS record