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Leave
of Absence, Suspension or Withdrawal from Boston University
While in the United States in F-1 status,
you must remain continuously enrolled for a full-course
of study at Boston University until you have completed
your academic program. If you interrupt your studies, your I-20
will become invalid and you will not be eligible to remain in
the United States in F-1 status.
IMPORTANT: If you are
currently working on- or off-campus, you must cease employment
immediately.
Please contact
the ISSO before you interrupt your studies
for any of the follow reasons:
- You are planning to request an official leave of absence (LOA)
from the University during the Fall or Spring semester.
- You are being suspended (or are under review for suspension).
OR
- You are planning to withdraw from all of your classes at any
point during the Fall or Spring semester (or Summer Term if it
is your initial semester of study).
Exception: Authorization for Medical Leave
of Absence
In the event you are suffering from an illness or other medical
condition that compels you to interrupt your studies at Boston University,
you can request authorization
for a medical LOA from the ISSO. The medical leave of
absence authorization will enable you to maintain valid F-1 status
during the time you are not enrolled. (NOTE: If
you only need to reduce your course load below full-time for medical
reasons, click here.)
Other Legal Options
If you are not requesting a medical LOA, consult with an ISSO advisor
about the following options to remain in legal status:
- Enroll for full-time study at another U.S. college or university
that can issue you an I-20 to transfer your F-1 status to that
school. You must enroll for non-degree study at the new school
if you intend to return to your degree program at Boston University.
- File an application with the USCIS to change to an immigration
status that will allow you to remain in the U.S. while you are
not studying (e.g. B-2 visitor status, or a dependent status such
as F-2 or H-4).
- Depart the United States in a timely manner.
Returning to Boston University to Resume Studies
Unless you have been authorized for a medical LOA, you must contact
the ISSO and request a new I-20 to return
to Boston University in order to resume studies in F-1 status.
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