F-1 Legal Status:
Permanent Departure from the University of Minnesota
SEVIS Notification
Withdrawal from Program |
Suspension from Program |
Completion of a Program of Study |
Transfer to a New School |
Change in Visa Status
The University is required to notify SEVIS when a student is no longer enrolled at the institution. SEVIS requires a reason any time a student’s record is terminated and it’s important that the correct reason (i.e., departed the U.S., changed status, etc.) be provided. The reason remains a permanent part of the record and may have an affect on a student’s future eligibility to enter the U.S. DHS regulations state that an absence from the U.S. of 5 months or longer constitutes a permanent departure, even if the student has maintained enrollment. Please inform ISSS of your situation as it pertains to your permanent departure from the University of Minnesota.
Note: Departures of less than 5 months from the U.S. over the break periods or the summer vacation period do not need to be reported to ISSS.
Withdrawal from Program
- A student who has elected to permanently withdraw from the program of study during the term should consult with an ISSS adviser before cancelling classes. Regulations require that a student obtain prior approval from ISSS before withdrawing. This will allow the student to be considered legally present in the U.S. for a period of 15 days from the date of withdrawal. It also insures that the student’s SEVIS record is terminated with the correct termination reason.
- A student who elects to discontinue the program of study at the end of the term must notify an ISSS adviser before the term ends. Prior approval from ISSS will allow the student to have a 15-day grace period from the last day of the term to depart the U.S. It will also insure that the student’s SEVIS record is terminated with the correct termination reason.
- Students may be able to arrange a Leave of Absence with their college if they feel they may resume the program of study in the future.
- The I-20 will not be valid for entry into the U.S. after a student has permanently withdrawn from the program. Students who elect to resume the program of study at a later date will need to request a new I-20 from ISSS.
Suspension from Program
- Suspension will be electronically reported to SEVIS.
- The I-20 will be cancelled as a result of the suspension and cannot be used for reentry into the U.S.
- Consult with an ISSS adviser regarding your options.
Completion of a Program of Study
- SEVIS requires that students notify ISSS of their completion date and the date of their departure from the U.S. Email ISSS or call ISSS at 612-626-7100 and ask to speak with an adviser. This insures that a student’s departure from the U.S. is properly recorded on their SEVIS record.
- Students who have completed a program of study have a 60-day grace period in which to depart the U.S.
Transfer to a New School
- A student’s SEVIS record must be electronically transferred to the new school before the new school can create an I-20.
- Consult with an ISSS adviser regarding intent to transfer and to determine a SEVIS “transfer release date”.
- Students who have applications pending at multiple schools should not request a SEVIS transfer until the student has decided which school s/he will attend.
Change in Visa Status
- F-1 students who change their visa status (i.e., to H-1B, F-2, J-1, Permanent Resident, etc.) and who may or may not continue their program of study should notify ISSS immediately. ISSS will ask for a faxed copy of the new status.
- ISSS will terminate the individual’s SEVIS record based on the change in status.
|
Return
to: Office of International Programs | U of M Home
F-1 Student