Leave of Absence

Regulations

If a student must take a temporary leave of absence from studies due to unforeseen circumstances, the student's SEVIS record must be terminated for Authorized Early Withdrawal. A student whose record is terminated for authorized early withdrawal must depart the United States within 15 days of the record termination. With a terminated SEVIS record, the student must spend their temporary absence outside the United States. If the student will be able to resume his or her studies in less than 5 months (which is considered a "temporary absence"), a Baylor DSO may request for the U.S. Government to reactivate the student's record, so that the student may return to the United States on the original SEVIS number and record and a reprinted I-20 (provided his or her F-1 visa is still valid). This request can be made up to 60 days before the student’s next session start date.  The decision to reactivate a students' I-20 is at the discretion of the U.S. Government.  Baylor cannot guarantee that the government will reinstate the original SEVIS record and I-20.

Note: If the student does not return before 5 months, then the student’s status may not be changed and he or she must start the process for getting a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number including all necessary documents.

1. The student must notify a Baylor DSO that he or she is requesting a Leave of Absence BEFORE the semester begins (first day of classes) by completing the Leave of Absence Request in Global Bears.

2. The student must complete the Student Not Returning form with the Baylor Registrar's Office which can be found HERE.

3. The DSO will terminate the student’s record for “Authorized Early Withdrawal.”

4. The student must leave the U.S. within 15 days and will remain outside of the U.S. during the time that his or her status is terminated.

5. If the student plans to return within 5 months, the student should contact a Baylor DSO to let them know that he or she is ready to return and re-enroll as soon as he or she is certain of their plans.

6. The DSO will request reactivation of the student’s record in SEVIS and if granted, the DSO will create a new I-20.  If the government does not grant the reactivation, the student will be required to qualify for a new I-20 record with a new SEVIS number in order to return.

7. The Baylor ISSS Office will mail the I-20 to the student.