US Semester Break Rule: Many students who go to America to study drop their studies for one semester due to study pressure, illness or lack of money. There are some students who are self-willed and think that if they do not attend classes for a semester, nothing will happen. However, dropping a semester on one’s own wish may prove costly for the students. There is also a risk of being deported if you do this. The reason behind this is immigration rules, which are very important for every student to understand.

Actually, for foreign students to study in America F-1 visa Are being given. There are many rules regarding this visa, which have to be followed. Students studying on F-1 visa cannot take the semester gap as a routine academic break. It is clearly written in the immigration laws of America that the student will have to study full-time, only then his legal status will remain intact. Although the visa stamped on the passport is not automatically canceled due to semester gap, but it can create serious problems.

What is the difference between visa and status?

F-1 visa is a stamp placed on the student’s passport, which allows him to enter America. Once they reach America, F-1 status becomes most important for the student. This status is maintained only if the student is studying as a full-time student and is required to maintain his/her legal status through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.SEVIS) follows the rules of.

to a student valid visa stamp It is possible Even after this, he can lose his legal status if he stops attending classes without permission. Losing status means that problems related to immigration can now arise. Even if the visa has not been formally cancelled.

When is semester gap allowed?

If one is allowed to take a semester gap with approval, it will not create any problems. For example, if a student gets authorized RCL due to medical reasons. In America, RCL is allowed for 12 months with all documentation. Similarly, if the university permits long-term absence and keeps the SEVIS record active, a semester gap can also be taken. Students can also take semester gap during CPT or OPT.

Overall, in all these cases, approval from the ‘Designated School Official’ (DSO) is required and the SEVIS record will also have to be updated. As long as the records remain updated, there is no problem. Therefore, if you also want to take a semester gap, then first talk to the DSO in this regard and tell him about your situation. Take a semester gap only when he/she assures to update SEVIS records.

When does a semester gap become a problem?

Problems arise for American and foreign students when they stop attending classes without any approval. Losing full-time status without approval, dropping out mid-semester without notifying the University, and not attending classes without notifying the DSO may result in termination of your SEVIS record. If SEVIS is terminated, the student automatically loses F-1 status.

In such a situation, they may have to leave America or apply for reinstatement, for which there is no guarantee. Applying for reinstatement can take several months and requires the submission of a large number of documents. If the student leaves the United States after SEVIS terminates, he or she may be required to submit a new I-20 form and, in some cases, a fresh visa interview before returning.