International Student: Taking a Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a temporary pause of your studies at Pomona. There are many reasons why you may decide to take a leave of absence, including medical issues, family matters, military service obligations, professional development opportunities, financial challenges, or simply wanting to reassess your academic or personal goals.

Pomona’s Leave of Absence application process is managed by the Dean of Student’s Office. As part of this process, you must consult with the ISSS Office to understand the implications of taking a leave on your immigration status.

Note that J-1 students cannot take a leave of absence without ending their J-1 program.

Immigration Implications of a Leave of Absence

Upon being notified about your approved Leave of Absence, your DSO will terminate your SEVIS record for “Authorized Early Withdrawal.” For students on a Leave of Absence, this simply means that you have been approved to interrupt your studies in the U.S.

Once your SEVIS record is terminated, the following will occur:

• You must depart the U.S. within 15 days of your SEVIS termination date.
• You are no longer able to enter the U.S. with your current I-20 and SEVIS record.
• You lose your eligibility for employment under CPT or OPT. You will regain eligibility after you have returned to the U.S. and completed two additional semesters of full-time enrollment as an F-1 student.

Returning After a Leave of Absence

To return from your leave, reach out to your Class Dean to begin the process.

After your return is approved, you must work with the ISSS Office to receive a new I-20 to return to the United States and resume your studies.

This new I-20 will be associated with a new SEVIS ID number. Thus, you’ll need to pay the SEVIS fee again. We also recommend consulting with your U.S. consulate or embassy about whether you should reapply for a new visa. Finally, you will need to complete two academic semesters after your return to regain your eligibility for CPT or OPT.

After re-entering the U.S. with the new I-20, you will be granted F-1 status again. See The Immigration Process for procedures on how to enter the U.S. on an initial I-20.