Before Completion of Study: F-1 students planning to leave the University of Arizona prior to completing degree must meet with an International Student Advisor in ISPS prior to withdrawing or departing to discuss options such as eligibility for a leave of absence, plans for returning, or transferring to another US school. This will ensure appropriate handling and referral for processing appropriate university paperwork and determining termination of your I-20. Leave of Absence:D epending on eligibility, students may wish to file for Leave of Absence. Please refer appropriate link below: Undergraduate students:The Undergraduate Student Leave of Absence assists and encourages students to return and graduate after a one or two semester absence from campus. Students with this status need not apply for or pay readmission fees, and may register for classes during their priority registration period. http://catalog.arizona.edu/2005-06/policies/leavingu.htm Graduate students:Graduate students must refer to website below to review times of absences and continuous enrollment requirements.
http://grad.arizona.edu/Current_Students/Policies/Leave_of_Absence.php All international students in F1 or J1 status are required to meet with International Student Advisor as part of processing their paperwork Outside the US but enrolled at UA:Students considering participation in a UA Study Abroad program http://studyabroad.arizona.edu/ with enrollment at UA must with ISPS advisor to ensure proper handling of documents. Depending of duration and type of program will determine how your I-20 is handled and if additional remarks are needed to be made on your document to ensure your return and discuss US visas. UA also handles National Student Exchange program allowing students to study at other US universities for a period of time while maintaining UA enrollment. We encourage all students to enhance their academic programs through such educational opportunities. Graduate students who have completed all coursework and are conducting research or doing field study often do so outside the US. Before departing, please see and ISPS advisor to discuss your plans, enrollment requirements to maintain your F1 status, and any impact of eligibility of your F1 status. Choosing to remain enrolled full time while outside the US versus choosing to be less than full time will be discussed for full understanding of your immigration options. Withdrawing/leaving UA and not completing degree:There may be many reasons that you may decide or choose to leave the UA prior to completing your degree. If you are not transferring to another US institution, you must fill out an Authorized Early withdrawal form with ISPS. ISPS will then terminate your I-20 and you must plan to leave the U.S. within 15 days. Failure to NOT get approval from Designated School Official (DSO) in ISPS will result in a negative termination reason and there is no grace period in which to leave the US. If a student plans to return to the University of Arizona at the start of the next semester, he or she should request a new “Initial” Form I-20 (new SEVIS ID will be assigned) approximately 4-5 months prior to a new program start date. If students plan to return to UA beyond the next full semester, ISPS advisors will consult and refer to appropriate Admissions offices regarding this process. Meeting with ISPS advisor will assist you in ensuring proper handling of your immigration, time frame for departure, and if necessary, referral to appropriate offices for your later return. Important:Authorized Early Withdrawal Form must be filed prior to student’s departure from the U.S. in order to properly end his or her F-1 status. Failure to do so may negatively impact student’s future entry to the U.S. Students must consult with an ISPS advisor prior to a departure.
Note 1: Student must not continue any employment beyond the Form I-20 termination date Note 2: Student will be subject to SEVIS I-901 fee if he or she returns on a new initial Form I-20 Note 3: Student will not be able to apply for a practical training (CPT/OPT) until he or she enrolls for two semesters after return Note 4: If a student files for leave of absence due to severe illness, he or she may be qualified for medical full-time exemption. In this situation, a student should consult with an ISPS advisor before filing for a leave of absence to discuss eligibility. |
Graduating before Form I-20 expires:Some complete their degree with I-20 valid beyond the graduation date. If your Form I-20 expires before you graduate, please see an ISPS advisor so that we can appropriately shorten your Form I-20. You still will have 60 days in which to depart the U.S. or change your immigration status. Failure to inform our office may result in your status being terminated for “Failure to Enroll” for the next semester. If you have applied for OPT, then you need not inform us as we have already processed the necessary paperwork. As you prepare to graduate, be sure that your Bursar’s account is paid in full and that you have updated your address in Student Link Your diploma will be sent to the location that you have listed as your permanent address. Most international student's permanent addresses are in their home country. Therefore, that is where your diploma will be sent. If you do NOT want your diploma sent to your home country, please go to student link and create a new address and indicate its type as 'diploma'. You should create your diploma address before the semester is over. | 
