You may be allowed to take a leave of absence from your program (not enroll in classes for a semester or more) and depart the United States. However, you will need to complete the “Student Exit Form” on Atlas before your leave begins.
If you have questions about how your absence will affect your status at IU, or if you wish to discuss your plans in greater detail, you may call OIS (812-855-9086) to make an appointment with an advisor or email an advisor at ois@iu.edu.
When you start a leave of absence, we have to terminate your SEVIS record. This means that need to leave the United States (or possibly change to a different status).
If you are academically eligible to do so, you may return to campus after your leave of absence. When you are ready to resume your program of study at IU, you will need to request a new I-20 and get a new U.S. visa. If you need to obtain a copy of your transcripts for visa purposes, please visit Student Central to request a copy.
Four months before you plan to return to IU, email ois@iu.edu with your name, university ID number, and the semester in which you plan to return. We will assist you in obtaining a new I-20. You will be asked to provide us with updated information, including your passport identity page and financial documentation.
You will only be allowed to enroll during the second eight weeks of the summer term.
When you return to IU, you will be required to attend international student orientation. This is because immigration regulations are constantly changing. By attending orientation, you will be better prepared for success in your program and have the most recent immigration and university information. You may also be required to take the Indiana Academic English Test if your academic unit does not have a record of your previous results.
When you return to your program of study, you must enroll as a full-time student.
You will not be eligible for off-campus employment until you have been in status as a full-time student for at least two semesters.
