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An approved Leave of Absence permits a student to be absent from the university for one or two semesters (maximum
of two semesters), while authorizing the student to return and continue to study under catalog requirements that
applied prior to the absence. Students must be in good academic standing (not on probation or disqualified from the
University) in order to qualify for a Leave of Absence.
Graduate and Credential students should be aware of additional restrictions, outlined in the publication,
"Leave of Absence, Graduate and Credential Students Policy and Procedures" available from the Graduate Studies
Office, McCarthy Hall 129.
The following are valid reasons for which you may request a leave of absence and at the same time, maintain your F-1 status:
- Medical leave.
A medical leave must be accompanied by a physician's letter which supports the
request for a Leave of Absence from school.
- Going back to your home country due to personal reasons or family emergency.
A copy of
your plane ticket must be submitted.
In order to maintain your F-1 status, you must maintain the validity of your reason for the Leave of Absence. In
other words, if you request a leave of absence due to a family emergency in your home country, then you must be
physically in your home country for the semester for which the leave has been granted. STAYING IN THE U.S.
WITHOUT ATTENDING SCHOOL WILL BE VIOLATING YOUR F-1 STATUS.
Guidelines for Requesting a Leave of Absence
If you are currently enrolled for the semester in which you intend to take a Leave of Absence, you must
withdraw from all classes, using the Change of Program (Drops) Form and the Request for
Refund Form. Both forms should be stamped by the Office of International Education & Exchange before it
can be processed by either the Registration Center or the Cashier's Office. Any refund given will be based upon the
refund of fees schedule published in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Complete a Leave of Absence Request Form, giving information on the reason for the leave and
the duration. Forms are available from the International Education office or the front desk at Admissions and
Records (LH-114). Different forms are used for undergraduates and graduate students. Normally, a leave is approved
for a single semester. The maximum duration for a leave is 2 semesters. Make an appointment with an advisor in the International Education office. Present the completed Leave of
Absence Request Form to the advisor, along with any supporting letters or documents. The advisor will review your
request and write a recommendation on the appropriate section on the form. The International Office will deliver the
form to the appropriate persons in the Admissions and Records Office, for final approval. Processing of Leave of
Absence requests may take as long as one month.
Special Issues for International Students
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Departing the United States and Returning
For Leave of Absence of 1 Semester
If you plan to return to your home country during a
Leave of Absence of one semester, please be sure to obtain a travel signature on your I-20, before leaving
the United States. In order to maintain the validity of your F-1 status, you must be outside the United
States for the semester when you are absent from school. For Leave of Absence of 2 Semesters
Please make an appointment with an advisor before
leaving the United States. Depending on when you plan to return to the U.S. to enroll back in school, you
may need a new I-20.
Important:
Being absent from the U.S. for more than 5 consecutive months is NOT considered a "temporary absence" by
the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you are absent from the U.S. for more than 5 months, you
will be issued a new SEVIS I-20 marked "Initial Attendance". Therefore, you will not be eligible for F-1
benefits like internships, optional practical training or economic hardship employment until you have
completed one academic year at CSU Fullerton. -
Effective September 1, 2004, if you have been absent from the U.S. for more than 5 months, you are
required to pay a SEVIS fee at the U.S. Embassy before you re-enter the U.S. This fee is separate
from and in addition to the visa application fee (if you need to apply for a visa renewal). If your F-1 visa
is still valid, you will have to make your payment via the internet by completing Form I-901 using a credit
card at: www.fmjfee.com OR by mail, by submitting Form
I-901 together with a check drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency.
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Registration for Classes
You are strongly encouraged to participate in early TITAN registration for the semester in which you
intend to return. Please contact the International Education Office to determine if a "hold" has been placed
on your registration. The International Office places "Holds" until proof of health insurance coverage has
been submitted. While the "hold" is in place, your registration will be blocked. Please consult with an
advisor in the International Education office for more information on this issue.
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Communication with the International Education Office
We strongly encourage that you stay in touch with the
International Education Office while on an approved
leave of absence, so that problems are avoided upon
your return. Letters from overseas will be answered
in a timely fashion, or you may contact the office
by phone (657-278-2787), fax (657-278-7292) or
email (ieoffice@fullerton.edu). Unfortunately, we
are unable to return long distance or overseas telephone
calls or fax inquiries.
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