How International Students Can Apply for a Leave of Absence or Deferment in the USA Without Risking

International students in the United States invest significant time, money, and effort into their studies. But life is unpredictable—sometimes you may face family emergencies, health issues, or personal circumstances that force you to consider taking a break from your academic journey. The thought of a Leave of Absence (LOA) or Deferment can be daunting, especially when your immigration status is at stake.

How do you take a break from your U.S. education without jeopardizing your F-1 or J-1 visa?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about LOA and Deferment: definitions, eligibility, government rules, university policies, essential documentation (including medical certificates), and how to make the process smooth and safe for your visa status.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Leave of Absence and Deferment?
2. When Might International Students Need an LOA or Deferment?
3. Understanding F-1 and J-1 Visa Requirements
4. Official U.S. Government Guidance (*.gov Links)
5. Will Taking Leave Affect My Visa Status?
6. How to Apply for LOA/Deferment: Step-by-Step Process
7. Required Documentation: Why Medical Certificates Matter
8. How to Obtain a Reliable Medical Certificate
9. Returning to the U.S. After Leave: What to Expect
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
11. Why Choose Havellum: The Professional Solution for Medical Documentation
12. Conclusion

1. What Are Leave of Absence and Deferment?

• Leave of Absence (LOA): An official, temporary break from studies, usually for health, family, or personal reasons. LOA is typically granted for a defined period (e.g., one semester or academic year).
• Deferment: Postponing your admission or continuing studies to a future term (often before you begin or after an approved LOA), commonly used for new admits or those who cannot return as scheduled.

Both options require approval from your school and strict adherence to immigration rules.

2. When Might International Students Need an LOA or Deferment?

Some common scenarios include:

• Medical Issues: Serious illness, injury, or mental health crises (see Havellum’s medical certificate guide)
• Family Emergencies: Death or severe illness of a close relative
• Financial Hardship: Unexpected loss of funding or sponsor support
• Personal Reasons: Legal matters, pregnancy, or other unavoidable circumstances

For more on mental health-related leave, read How to Apply for Mental Health Leave and Obtain Required Documentation Under FMLA, ADA, and US Law.

3. Understanding F-1 and J-1 Visa Requirements

F-1 Students

• Full-Time Enrollment: Required each academic term, except during official breaks or with approved reduced course load/LOA.
• SEVIS Reporting: Any change in enrollment status (including LOA or Deferment) must be reported by your school’s Designated School Official (DSO).
• Medical LOA: Can be granted for up to 12 months per program level with proper documentation.

J-1 Students

• Full-Time Participation: Must engage in their exchange program continuously.
• Health/Personal Emergency: Can request a break, but must coordinate with the school’s Responsible Officer (RO) and follow Department of State rules.

Violating these requirements can result in termination of your SEVIS record and loss of status.

4. Official U.S. Government Guidance (.gov Links)

Here are three authoritative .gov resources every international student should consult:

1. U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Study in the States:
   Maintaining Status
   Covers full-time enrollment requirements, temporary leave, and medical RCL for F-1 students.

2. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
   Special Student Relief
   Explains temporary relief options, including flexibility during emergencies.

3. U.S. Department of State – Exchange Visitor Program:
   Maintaining J-1 Status
   Explains rules for J-1 students and procedures for absences.

You can also reference your university’s international office or the Havellum FAQ about U.S. medical certificates for practical examples.

5. Will Taking Leave Affect My Visa Status?

This is the #1 concern for most international students. The good news: if you follow the right process, provide all required documentation, and maintain communication with your school, you can usually take a leave or deferment without losing your visa status.

Key Points:

• Unapproved Absence = Status Violation: Leaving without notice or documentation can result in SEVIS termination.
• Approved Medical LOA: With proper paperwork, your DSO/RO can authorize a temporary break for illness or mental health (see official guidance).
• Deferment Before Arrival: If you haven’t entered the U.S., deferment is usually safe. Once in the U.S., you must maintain status or formally exit and re-enter.
• Travel During LOA: If you leave the U.S. during LOA, you may need a new visa or updated I-20/DS-2019 to return.

6. How to Apply for LOA/Deferment: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Consult Your International Office

• Contact your school’s DSO (F-1) or RO (J-1) immediately.
• Explain your situation and ask about specific university procedures.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Medical certificate, doctor’s note, or supporting documents (see Havellum’s comprehensive guide)
• Personal statement (if required)
• Additional forms (university-specific)

Step 3: Submit Official Application

• Complete the school’s LOA or Deferment form.
• Attach all supporting documentation.

Step 4: Await Decision and SEVIS Update

• Your DSO/RO will review your application.
• If approved, they will update your SEVIS record and advise you on next steps.

Step 5: Follow Travel and Re-Entry Guidance

• If you must leave the U.S., get written instructions about re-entry.
• You may need a new I-20 or DS-2019 before returning.

7. Required Documentation: Why Medical Certificates Matter

The medical certificate is the most important document when requesting a medical LOA or deferment. U.S. schools and immigration officers require:

• Proof that your absence is medically necessary
• Details about the duration and necessity for leave
• Information about your provider’s credentials

For full details, see Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Certificates in the United States.

8. How to Obtain a Reliable Medical Certificate

Traditional Methods

• On-campus Health Services: Often overbooked, may not provide detailed certificates, language barriers possible.
• Off-campus Clinics: Can be expensive, especially without insurance. Not all providers are familiar with immigration-compliant paperwork.

Modern Solution: Online Professional Medical Certificates

• Havellum specializes in delivering fast, compliant, and verifiable medical certificates for international students (see services).
• Documents are issued by U.S.-licensed physicians and accepted by universities and government agencies.
• 100% online—no long waits, no travel, no uncertainty.

Why Not Just Any Doctor?

• Traditional clinics may refuse to issue certificates for non-severe conditions or mental health reasons.
• Language and cultural misunderstandings can delay or block your application.
• High costs: In-person visits can cost hundreds of dollars (not always covered by student insurance).

For a step-by-step on getting a mental health certificate, see How to Obtain a Mental Health Medical Certificate in the USA: A Guide for International Students.

9. Returning to the U.S. After Leave: What to Expect

• Coordinate with Your School: Notify your DSO/RO before returning; obtain updated I-20/DS-2019 if needed.
• Check Your Visa: If your visa has expired, you must renew it before re-entry.
• Prepare Documentation: Bring copies of your LOA approval, updated forms, and medical certificate for border inspection.
• Full-Time Enrollment: Resume studies at full-time status; inform your school of any challenges.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I stay in the U.S. during my LOA?
A: Only if your LOA is officially approved and your SEVIS record remains active (usually for medical leave). For personal/family reasons, you may be required to leave the U.S. and re-enter when ready to resume.

Q: Will my SEVIS record be terminated?
A: If you take an unapproved leave or fail to provide required documentation, yes. For approved LOA/Deferment, your DSO manages your record to protect your status.

Q: What if I need more time than granted?
A: Request an extension before your LOA expires. Your school and DSO/RO will advise on further steps.

Q: Is telehealth documentation accepted?
A: Yes, as long as the provider is U.S.-licensed and the documentation meets your school’s requirements (see Havellum’s legitimacy guide).

11. Why Choose Havellum: The Professional Solution for Medical Documentation

Let’s be honest—finding a doctor to issue a suitable certificate for a leave of absence or deferment is often stressful and uncertain for international students:

• In-person clinics are time-consuming and expensive. Costs can run high, and you may not get the exact paperwork you need.
• Doctors aren’t always willing to issue certificates for mental health reasons, stress, or non-life-threatening illnesses.
• Language and cultural barriers can make communication difficult, causing delays or misunderstandings.

Havellum solves these problems:

• 100% online—no need to visit a clinic or wait for appointments
• Documents issued quickly by U.S.-licensed physicians who understand immigration requirements
• Affordable pricing—much lower than many in-person clinics or hospitals
• Widely accepted by U.S. schools, universities, and government agencies
• Privacy and confidentiality guaranteed

Don’t risk your visa status or academic progress because of bureaucratic hurdles. Trust Havellum for fast, reliable, and professional medical certificates and doctor’s notes.

12. Conclusion

A Leave of Absence or Deferment doesn’t have to threaten your dream of a U.S. education—or your visa status—if you follow the right steps:

1. Consult your international office and understand your school’s policies.
2. Secure all required documentation, especially a compliant medical certificate.
3. Use professional, reputable services—like Havellum—for your documentation needs.
4. Stay in constant communication with your school and follow all official procedures.

Key Official Resources:

• Maintaining Status – DHS
• Special Student Relief – USCIS
• Maintaining J-1 Status – U.S. Department of State

Related Havellum Resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Certificates in the United States
• How to Apply for Mental Health Leave and Obtain Required Documentation Under FMLA, ADA, and US Law
• Havellum: How to Obtain a Legitimate, Verifiable Medical Certificate in the USA
• How to Obtain a Mental Health Medical Certificate in the USA: A Guide for International Students

Need a medical certificate or doctor’s note for your LOA or Deferment?
Visit Havellum now
Havellum – The trusted, professional provider for international students in the USA.