Hey all,

I have to take this semester off due to some unforseen circumstances. I know that I have to leave the country within 30 days but I would like to come back before the summer holidays. Will I be able to do that? I have no knowledge about the formalities regarding this matter and I would really appreciate for any kind of help.

Perhaps those who have been in a similar situation as mine could help me.

Thanks again.

Hey luizronaldo, Are you talking about taking off the spring semester? If it is then, Yes you will be able to take the semester off but as far as I know you have to take summer classes and be a full time student. Taking to you International Advisor would be more helpful....Good Luck!!!

I don't think taking summer classes will fulfil the full time status. You will need to take classes during the regular sessions i.e. spring or fall. Talk to your international coordinator. He/she has the best answer. Also if you are planning to head back make sure you have the I-20 for the upcoming semester that you are planning to study. Again I am sure you know the risk of getting out of the country, regardless of what your current status is or how strong is your document at the time of visa application, you can be DENIED entry back to the country.
Regards
Revival

Thanks guys.

I do still have a problem though. My international advisor knows nothing at all. He is blank. I have been a full time student since I came here and have maintained a good academatic standard. And also that I have a visa for 5 years...I still have 2 good years left. Can I still be denied entry?

Btw revival, I will definitely get a I-20 for the following semester when I leave. That is a very important advice that you gave. Thanks.

Hey, your help will make a difference.

Luzironaldo,

It is more or less black and white in your case. If you have 5 year visa stamped on your passport, you can go back and come to this country unhindered, provided you have satisfied other criteria, i.e., not overstaying when you are not a full time student. Rest you seem to have taken care of.

In fact, I bet you can actually come anytime within these 2 years (the time left in your visa) with a valid I-20. Bar some extremely unfortunate calamities, your case is a slam dunk. Just go.

((You might want to check if they have restriction on students arriving so and so many months of weeks before the school starts.)

IndisGuise:)

Make sure you don't get in to trouble. I have heard that some universities require you to go through the formal admission process (though only a formality) once you are out of school for xyz amount of time. One of my friend had to go back home for long period of time. He was told by the international student advisor that if he retured within 120 days or before the end of the semester, he would continue as regular student with the previous I-20. If he spent more than 120 days then he needed to reapply for admission and get new I-20. He came back in 90 days and had no problem in getting reentry visa.

Your 5 year multiple entry visa helps you a lot, however, you make sure you follow the university policy. You should have maintained all the requirments of SEVIS, for example, maintaining your international student health insurance (which in most cases covers upto 120 days of home travel only). I wish your problem got solved without you making a long trip back home for extended periods.