If you need to leave IU to perform mandatory military service in your home country, you can return and complete your program at a later date. However, you need to complete the “Exit Form” on Atlas before you go.
If you have questions about how your military service will affect your status at IU, call OIS (812-855-9086) to make an appointment with an advisor or email an advisor at ois@iu.edu.
You will only be allowed to enroll during the second eight weeks of the summer term.
Once you depart the United States for military service, we will end your SEVIS record. This will end your legal J-1 status.
If you have already enrolled in courses for the next semester, you must take action to drop them. If classes haven’t started, you can drop via e-Drop. If classes have started, please send an email to ois@iu.edu, asking us to assist with dropping all of your classes for that semester. Be sure to write your full name and IU ID number at the bottom of the email.
If you are academically eligible to do so, you may return to campus after your military service is complete.
When you are ready to resume your program of study at IU, you will need to request a new DS-2019 and get a new U.S. visa. If you need to obtain a copy of your transcripts for visa purposes, please visit the 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 resume your studies. We will assist you in obtaining a new DS-2019. You will be asked to provide us with updated information, including your passport identity page and financial documentation.
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 English Proficiency Exam 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.
