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Office of International Engagement

Returning Students

International students who were previously enrolled and are returning to ISU to complete their degree program after an absence should submit a Returning from Leave Request in the ISSS Portal. You should submit this request as soon as you are certain of your plans to return to the U.S.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • DO NOT submit a Returning from Leave Request if you are a Graduate student and need to be readmitted. Please contact International Admissions for next steps. International Admissions (not ISSS) will create your new I-20 as part of the readmission process.
  • DO NOT submit a Returning from Leave Request if you are an Undergraduate student and will be outside of the U.S. for more than five months. Please contact International Admissions for next steps. International Admissions (not ISSS) will create your new I-20 as part of the readmission process.

ISSS highly recommends you contact your Academic Advisor to confirm whether you will need to be readmitted to your degree program in order to continue your studies.

Absence of Less than Five Months

If your F-1 status was terminated for “Authorized Early Withdrawal” and you will resume studies less than five months from the date your record was terminated, you may be eligible to have your current SEVIS record reactivated.

Submit a Returning from Leave Request in the ISSS Portal. ISSS will determine whether you are eligible for reactivation of your F-1 status and submit a request to SEVP. We can submit the request up to 60 days prior to the day you will begin classes again.

Keep in mind that ISSS can request the reactivation, but only SEVP can approve the reactivation, and SEVP will often request additional evidence prior to approval. Make sure to watch for emails from your ISSS Advisor about any additional evidence that might be needed for your request.

If SEVP approves the reactivation request, your previous SEVIS record will be set back to “Active” status.

When returning to the U.S., you will need your:

  • Original I-20 document with a valid travel signature on page 2
    • Request a new Travel Signature in the ISSS Portal, if needed
  • Valid F-1 visa
    • You do not need to apply for a new visa, if your current F-1 visa is still valid
  • Valid passport.

If SEVP denies your reactivation request, then you should follow the instructions below for students returning after an absence of more than five months.

Benefits of Reactivation

  • You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again
  • You can count time spent studying full-time prior to your termination towards the one-academic year required for CPT and OPT work authorization

Absence of More than Five Months

If your F-1 status was terminated for “Authorized Early Withdrawal” and you will resume studies more than five months from the date your record was terminated, you will need a brand new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID in order to return.

Submit a Returning from Leave Request in the ISSS Portal. ISSS will review your request and, if approved, issue you a new “Initial Attendance” I-20 document. Because you will have a new “Initial” F-1 record, the rules for new students apply to you:

  • You cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the Program Start Date on your new I-20
  • You will not be eligible for off-campus work authorization (CPT/OPT) until you have completed a full academic year after your return.

When returning to the U.S., you will need your:

  • New “Initial Attendance” I-20 document with new SEVIS ID
  • SEVIS Fee Receipt for your new SEVIS ID
  • Valid F-1 visa
    • You do not need to apply for a new visa, if your current F-1 visa is still valid
  • Valid passport

After returning to campus, you must submit a New Student ISSS Check-In Request in the ISSS Portal so that ISSS can activate your new SEVIS record.