If you are an F-1 international student planning to study abroad in another country (outside the U.S.), you must follow the steps below to maintain your F-1 status:
NOTE: Under F-1 regulations, a student must be enrolled full-time for one full academic year (two consecutive semesters) before they are eligible for study abroad programs.
Before your study abroad program begins, email us at iss@stedwards.edu or visit the ISS office during advising hours with the following information:
The country where you will study abroad
The start and end dates of your study abroad term
This information is required so ISS can issue you a new I-20 with a study abroad remark, which you will need to return to the United States.
Planning to Study Abroad or Be Outside the U.S. for more than 5 months?
F-1 students should know that spending more than 5 months outside of the United States can affect your F-1 status and SEVIS record. In most cases, you cannot stay outside the U.S. for over 5 months at a time and still return in the same F-1 status.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad or staying outside the U.S. for close to or longer than 5 months, please contact International Student Services before making plans. We’re happy to walk you through what this means for your immigration status and what to do next.
To remain in compliance with your F-1 visa status, you must be enrolled full-time while studying abroad.
Speak with your Success Coach to confirm that your study abroad program qualifies as full-time enrollment.
Keep proof of your enrollment status from the host institution in case it is needed for immigration or university records.