Taking a Break from Studies and Returning

Leave of Absence or Withdrawal Procedures

There are two processes that you need to follow – the academic process and the immigration process.

Leave of Absence

A student is allowed to apply for a Leave of Absence for a period of time (usually up to one year) and return to continue their degree program.

  1. Academic: Apply for a Leave of Absence with the Registrar's Office.
    The deadline for applying is the last business day before the first day of classes for the semester that the leave will begin.
  2. Immigration:  After you complete step 1, submit the Exit Form in iStart before leaving the U.S. Your I-20/DS-2019 record will be terminated as a result.

Withdrawal

If you are unable to complete the semester, you may choose to withdraw from the University.

Note: We strongly recommend you withdraw only after talking with your academic adviser/department as well as an International Student Adviser to determine the consequences to your academic standing and immigration status.

  1. Academic: Refer to the Registrar’s website to see the university process to withdraw.
  2. Immigration:  Once you withdraw from the semester, you must complete the Exit Form in iStart before leaving the U.S. Your I-20/DS-2019 record will be terminated as a result of the withdrawal.
    Discuss your situation with an International Student Adviser to determine the timing of leaving the U.S. 

 

Getting a New I-20/DS-2019 To Return to the University

If you wish to return to Penn State for in-person studies after a withdrawal or military service, or come back after an academic suspension or a leave of absence, please follow these steps:

  1. Complete the re-enrollment process with the Registrar’s Office (undergraduates) or through the Graduate School (graduate students).
    Note: ISSA can process your returning student I-20/DS-2019 only after we can confirm that you are approved to return by the Registrar’s Office or your graduate program.
  2. About 3 months before the date of your approved return to the University, apply for a new I-20 or DS-2019 in iStart by completing the Returning Students eForm (under I-20/DS-2019 requests). You will be required to upload updated financial support documents with this request. More information about financial requirements can be found our website.
    Note: If your Penn State access account is no longer active, log in to iStart through Limited Services.