Types of breaks available
If you need to take a break from your studies for a short time period, please come to the ISSC for advisement on how an absence from studies will impact your F-1/J-1 status.
If you need to take a break from your studies for a short time period, please come to the ISSC for advisement on how an absence from studies will impact your F-1/J-1 status.
As an undergraduate student, if you need more than two semesters, you may need an official Leave of Absence (LOA). Graduate students should consult with your academic department. Once your LOA is finalized, you must report this to the ISSC through the Reporting Student Exit from ASU eForm through the ISSC eForm Portal.
If you need to withdraw from your classes, you will need to complete the Complete Session Withdrawal form.
If you need to withdraw from your classes for a medical or compassionate reason, you will need to complete the Medical/ Compassionate Withdrawal Request form. For additional medical withdrawal process, please visit the Medical Withdrawal Guide.
If you need to withdraw from your classes for a compassionate reason, you will need to complete the Medical/Compassionate Withdrawal Request form.
Taking a break from studies will impact your SEVIS record. Here's what you should do:
If you take a break from your studies and return later, your OPT clock will be reset. When you return to study, you have to maintain your F-1 status for at least one academic year before you are eligible for OPT. If you only have one semester left to complete your degree program, you will not be eligible for OPT.
If you would like to return to ASU after taking a break, please review our Returning Student webpage for more instructions. You must start the process to return at least three months prior to the semester you will be returning.
If you are an undergraduate degree-seeking student who previously attended ASU but who has not been enrolled at ASU for up to seven consecutive fall or spring semesters, you may be eligible to return through Quick Re-entry. You do not need to submit a new application or application fee. You may sign in to My ASU and register for classes. You may have a hold or Priority Tasks that you need to complete before you are able to register for classes.
International students are still responsible for all SEVIS requirements and should check with the International Students and Scholars Office at ASU.
If your absence is due to military deployment, service on an official church mission or with a foreign aid service of the Federal government, or a permanent disability, you should submit a Leave of Absence.