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F-1 5-Month Absence

Absences from the U.S. for 5 months or more will cancel your F-1 status unless Duke Visa Services (DVS) has approved the student’s Study Abroad program. Notify your DVS advisor if you must depart the U.S. to study abroad, medical reasons, a leave of absence or withdrawals. The advisor will evaluate your situation and provide detailed instructions on the visa requirements for re-admission to Duke University.

Re-Admission After an Absence of 5 Months or More

Requirements for Undergraduate Students

  • Contact the Time Away Office for written re-admission approval.
  • The Office of Student Returns will send notification to DVS of the approved re-admission.
  • DVS will generate and send a new Webform application to the student for completion.
  • After DVS receives a completed Webform and supporting documentation, a new I-20 will be issued and mailed to the student.
  • The student must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
  • The student must check with the local U.S. consulate to verify whether or not a new visa stamp/foil is required for reentry.
  • The student must present the new I-20 and new SEVIS fee receipt at the U.S. port of entry. Your previous I-20 will have been terminated and the student will be denied reentry to the U.S.

Requirements for Graduate School and Professional Students

The Re-admission process varies per School. Check with your Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) to verify the process for re-admission to your academic program.

  • Please have our Leave of Absence or Withdrawal Notification form completed by your Academic Dean of Academic Programs or Director of Graduate Studies.
  • When the student receives written notification of the approved re-admission, this information should be submitted to DVS.
  • DVS will generate and send a new Webform application to the student for completion. The International Programs Office will generate the new Webform for returning Fuqua students.
  • After DVS receives a completed Webform and supporting documentation, a new I-20 will be issued and mailed to the student.
  • The student must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
  • The student must check with the local U.S. consulate to verify whether or not a new visa stamp/foil is required for reentry.
  • The student must present the new I-20 and new SEVIS fee receipt at the U.S. port of entry. Your previous I-20 will have been terminated and the student will be denied reentry to the U.S.

The new (Initial) I-20 will restart the student’s F-1 benefits clock. This means the student must be enrolled full-time for 1 academic year after the start date of the I-20 to receive Practical Training or off campus employment.

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