Taking a Leave of Absence
International students who have an emergency and need to leave the U.S. can request a leave of absence if they plan to return to study.
Guidelines for Taking a Leave of Absence
Follow these steps to request a leave of absence:
- Email International Advising to discuss your need for a leave of absence.
- Provide a copy of your flight itinerary showing your departure date.
- Once your leave of absence is approved:
- Withdraw* from any classes in MavLINK. You must do this yourself; UNO cannot withdraw from courses for you.
- International Advising will terminate your SEVIS record for authorized early withdrawal. This is not a negative termination; your record can be reactivated if you return within five months.
- Take care of any personal business in the U.S.; inform your on-campus or off-campus housing of your withdrawal and notify any academic departments handling your scholarships.
- Leave the U.S. within 15 days of your SEVIS termination for authorized early withdrawal.
*Please note that it violates your visa status to withdraw from classes without prior approval from International Advising.
Learn more about medical withdrawal policies and procedures at UNO.
Returning to the U.S. After a Leave of Absence
To return to the U.S. on the same SEVIS record, you will need to:
- Return to study at UNO within five (5) months of SEVIS termination for early authorized withdrawal.
- Return no more than 30 days before your program of study begins.
When you plan to return:
- Email International Advising one to two months before your return date. Include the following documentation:
- A return ticket showing your arrival date;
- UNO transcripts from MavLINK;
- Any new immigration documents, such as a new passport or visa.
- International Advising must reactivate your SEVIS record one (1) to two (2) months* before your return date.
- When you travel to the U.S., remember to have your documents needed for entering the U.S. at the port of entry for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents to review and approve your entry.
If you return to the U.S. after more than five (5) months, you will need to:
- Obtain a new SEVIS record.
- Pay the SEVIS fee again.
- Apply for a new visa.
*If your plans change, contact International Advising immediately.