Some international students choose to study abroad during their U.S. program of study. Studying in other countries can offer new cultural experiences and exposure to different academic subjects. As a designated school official (DSO), know the following rules and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) reporting requirements for international students who study abroad.

 

 

An F-1 student is permitted to study abroad after the completion of their first term at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. If, for any reason, the student plans to study abroad before they have begun their U.S. studies, then their F-1 status will not begin until they have entered the United States to study at an SEVP-certified school.

 

 

If a student remains enrolled in a full course of study at your school during their study abroad program, then you may keep their status listed as Active in SEVIS. Remind your students that if they remain outside the United States for more than five months, then they should consult a U.S. embassy or consulate near them to determine if a new visa is needed for their return. Only if a student's current visa is no longer valid, does the student possibly need to apply for and receive a new one.
 

While the student is technically still in Active status, SEVP cannot ensure that the student will not be questioned about their length of time away due to the five month rule. The student may be questioned about their length of time away at either the U.S. embassy or consulate, or at the U.S. port of entry. 

 

On the other hand, if your student takes a leave of absence from their U.S. studies and will not remain enrolled as an F-1 student, then their study abroad should be reported as a temporary absence in SEVIS. Upon their return to the United States, you will need to request to change their status back to Active in SEVIS.

 

SEVP recently adjusted the timeframe DSOs have to request this change in SEVIS. Now, DSOs can submit a request to change an F-1 student’s SEVIS record to Active up to 60 days in advance of the student’s return from a temporary absence.

 

Do your international students want to study abroad? Share this blog post, Can International Students in the United States Study Abroad and contact the SEVP Response Center if you have any student-specific questions at SEVP@ice.dhs.gov.