Medical Leave for F-1 Students: Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Your Visa Status

Studying in the United States as an international student is an incredible opportunity, but it comes with immense pressure. Far from your familiar support systems, facing a health challenge—whether physical or mental—can feel overwhelming and isolating. The fear of navigating a complex healthcare system is compounded by a bigger worry: how will this affect your F-1 visa? The thought of jeopardizing your legal status can make seeking help seem like a risk you can't afford to take.

This guide is here to change that. We want to eliminate the uncertainty and provide you with a clear, practical, and empathetic roadmap for the entire medical leave of absence process. Taking care of your health is not a violation of your status; it is a human necessity. When done correctly, a medical leave is a legally protected and manageable process. This is your step-by-step manual to walk you through it, from the moment you realize you need help to the day you successfully return to campus.

Step 1: Self-Assessment and Seeking Campus Support

The first and most courageous step is acknowledging that you need a break. The reasons for a medical leave are deeply personal and entirely valid.

Recognizing the Legitimate Reasons

U.S. universities and immigration authorities recognize a broad spectrum of health issues. It's critical to understand that mental health is treated with the same seriousness as physical health. Legitimate reasons for a medical leave include, but are not limited to:
* Physical Illness: A serious injury, a chronic condition flare-up, or the need for a significant medical procedure and recovery.
* Mental Health: This is a primary reason for students taking leave. Applying for leave due to depression as an international student is common and valid. Other conditions like severe anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, or academic burnout that significantly impairs your ability to function are all legitimate grounds. The core of a US university mental health leave policy is to give you the time and space to heal.

Your First Stop: Confidential Campus Resources

Before you even think about immigration paperwork, your priority is your well-being. Your university has confidential resources designed specifically to help you:
* University Health Center: For physical ailments, this is your starting point. The physicians here are experienced in treating students and can provide initial care and documentation.
* Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): For any mental health concerns, make an appointment with CAPS. These services are confidential, often free for students, and are the perfect place to discuss your struggles and explore your options with a licensed therapist. They are experts in helping students navigate these exact situations.

Step 2: Obtaining the Most Critical Document—The Medical Certificate

To get official approval for a medical leave, you cannot simply say you are sick. You must provide a formal recommendation from a licensed healthcare provider. This document is the cornerstone of your entire application.

The Specific Requirements

Your Designated School Official (DSO) will need a specific type of letter. While requirements can vary slightly between schools, the doctor's note needed for an F1 visa medical leave must generally:
1. Be from a licensed medical doctor (M.D.), doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), or licensed clinical psychologist in the United States.
2. Be printed on official letterhead.
3. State that you have a temporary medical condition and that, for this reason, the provider recommends you take a leave from your studies.
4. Include a recommended timeframe for the leave (e.g., "a leave for the Fall 2026 semester"). It does not need to contain a specific, private diagnosis unless you are comfortable sharing it.

How to Get the Medical Certificate

You have a few options for the process of getting a doctor's note in the US:
* Campus Health or CAPS: This is often the best option, as they write these letters regularly and know exactly what your university's international student office requires.
* Off-Campus Provider: You can see any licensed private physician or psychologist.
* Online Telehealth Services: Reputable online services can provide a legitimate and efficient alternative, connecting you with licensed doctors who can assess your situation and provide the necessary documentation.

Step 3: The Crucial Meeting with Your DSO

With your medical recommendation in hand, it's time to meet with your Designated School Official (DSO). Your DSO is your official link to the U.S. immigration system and your most important ally in this process.

Preparing for the Meeting

Go to the meeting prepared. Bring your medical letter, a list of your courses, and a list of questions. Be ready to discuss your plan for taking the leave.

The Conversation: What to Expect

This meeting is a consultation, not an interrogation. Here are some tips for talking to a DSO about medical leave: Be open and honest about your need for a break. The DSO's role is to help you follow the rules. A typical conversation will cover:
* Your Situation: The DSO will review your medical letter and confirm your intent to take a leave.
* The SEVIS Process: The DSO will explain that they will authorize your leave in the SEVIS database. This action is called an "Authorized Early Withdrawal." The DSO will then terminate your SEVIS record for medical reasons. It is essential to understand this is a positive and protective action. It is not a punishment; it is the correct legal procedure that allows you to return later.
* Departure Timeline: The DSO will confirm that you must depart the United States within 15 days of your withdrawal date.

Step 4: What to Do During Your Leave

Once your leave is approved and your SEVIS record is terminated, you must prepare to leave the U.S. and plan for your time away.

Departure and Your Visa Status

You must leave the U.S. within the 15-day grace period. A common question is, "Does my F1 visa expire during a leave of absence?" The F-1 visa stamp in your passport may remain valid, but your F-1 status in the U.S. ends once you withdraw. You cannot remain in the country during your leave. Your focus during this time should be on recovery in your home country.

Staying in Touch

Even while you are away, maintain a line of communication with your DSO. Send a brief, polite email once every couple of months to check in and confirm your intended return semester. This keeps you on their radar and makes the return process smoother.

Step 5: Planning Your Return to School

As you start to feel better, you can begin planning your return. Do not leave this to the last minute.

The Return Timeline

You should begin the return process at least 3-4 months before the semester you plan to resume your studies. The first step is to email your DSO and your academic department to declare your intent to return.

New Documentation and the I-20

To be readmitted, you will need a new medical letter from a healthcare provider stating that you are healthy and ready to resume a full course of study. Once your academic department approves your return, the DSO will begin the I-20 process.
* If your leave was less than 5 months: The DSO may be able to reactivate your old SEVIS record and I-20.
* If your leave was more than 5 months: This is the most common scenario for a semester- or year-long leave. Your DSO will need to issue you a brand new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID number. This is officially an "I-20 for a new initial student with a new SEVIS record." You will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again with this new record.

Re-Entering the U.S.

Once you have your new I-20, you must check the F-1 visa stamp in your passport.
* If your original visa is still valid: You can typically re-enter the U.S. with your valid visa and your new I-20.
* If your original visa has expired: You must apply for a new F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country before you can return.

Havellum: Your Partner for Compliant Medical Documentation

The foundation of a successful medical leave application is a professional, authoritative, and compliant medical certificate. Your DSO and your university need to see a formal document from a licensed U.S. physician that clearly explains the medical necessity for your leave. This is not just a piece of paper; it's the key that unlocks your ability to legally pause your studies and prioritize your health.

Havellum was created for this exact purpose. We partner with a network of licensed U.S. physicians to provide you with legitimate, verifiable medical certificates that meet the strict requirements of universities and U.S. immigration. Our entire process is confidential, efficient, and designed to relieve your burden. When you are unwell and facing uncertainty, the last thing you need is the stress of navigating clinic appointments. Let Havellum be your most reliable partner in this process, providing the critical documentation that paves the way for your legal leave and successful return. For more information, please contact us or explore our comprehensive guide to medical certificates.