If you do not plan to enroll in the upcoming semester, or if you need to withdraw from all coursework in the current semester, you will not be able to maintain your F-1 visa requirements. Therefore, you must apply for an Authorized Early Withdrawal (immigration leave of absence) and leave the U.S. Meet with an immigration coordinator prior to finalizing your decision.
Authorized Early Withdrawal Considerations
- Academics: Work with your academic or faculty advisor to understand how taking an academic leave of absence would affect you academically, and if there are any procedures you need to complete with your department or the Graduate School.
- Housing: Work with University Housing or your landlord to understand your responsibilities and the regulations related to your plan of leaving the U.S. and cancelling your housing contract or lease.
- UWM Funding: If you currently have an assistantship or scholarship through UWM, you should determine if it will be reinstated when you return to your studies. Students with assistantships should discuss this with their department, and students with scholarships should contact the scholarship office for additional information.
- Immigration:
- Meet with an immigration coordinator to understand your options and the consequences of taking an academic leave of absence and applying for an Authorized Early Withdrawal (AEW).
- If you will take the leave of absence, you must submit the “Authorized Early Withdrawal (Leave of Absence) Request” in your ISSS Connect Portal.
- Your SEVIS record will be terminated, and you will have 15 days to leave the U.S.
- You must continue participating in your coursework until your AEW request is approved. Do not withdraw from your coursework prior to the AEW approval.
- Approval of the AEW will not withdraw you from your coursework, you must take action to be withdrawn from your coursework.
- Your on-campus employment eligibility and any CPT/OPT authorizations end upon approval of the AEW.
Resuming Study After a Leave of Absence
To return to UWM to resume your studies in-person, you will need a new I-20 to be eligible to request entry to the U.S. Email isss@uwm.edu at least 2-3 months before the start date of the semester you plan to resume your studies.
- Eligibility to Enroll: You must be eligible to enroll for the semester you plan to return before you can request a new I-20. Your eligibility to enroll can be verified in your PAWS account. Work with your academic or faculty advisor regarding your eligibility to enroll for the semester you plan to return. Note that a re-entry admission application may be required; email isss@uwm.edu for instructions.
- Requesting a new I-20: Most students will be required to request a new initial I-20. After contacting isss@uwm.edu about your intended return, you will be provided detailed instructions on how to submit your I-20 request. All students will be required to provide full proof of funding to request the I-20. Important reminders if you are issued a new initial I-20:
- You will be required to pay the I-901 fee for the new SEVIS record.
- You cannot enter the U.S. before the “Earliest Admission Date” listed on the I-20, which is 30 days prior to your I-20’s listed program start date.
- You must complete two semesters of full-time enrollment once you have returned to in-person studies to regain eligibility for OPT and CPT authorization.
- Note: In limited circumstances, some students may be eligible to request reactivation of their prior SEVIS record. This is uncommon and will be determined when you email isss@uwm.edu regarding your plan to return.
- Check F-1 visa validity: If your F-1 visa has not expired, we recommend that you contact the U.S. embassy in your home country to confirm the validity of the visa or if you will need a new visa.