Under normal conditions, an international student is not permitted to go on a leave of absence or to study half-time. Immigration regulations require that the student must be enrolled in a full-time course of study for the duration of the student's stay in the United States. Exceptions may be granted under the below circumstance. All requests for half-time study or a leave of absence for international students require International Center approval prior to OGS consideration. The usual requirements of departmental approval and campus regulations apply. Refer to Half-Time Study or Leave of Absence/Withdrawal procedures under Academic Affairs section.

Half-Time Study

• A student with a verified illness who requires more time for study may be approved for half-time study.

• A student in the final stage and quarter of doctoral work may be approved for only one quarter of half-time study; if the dissertation is not filed during that quarter, the student must then revert to full-time for any subsequent quarters.

Leave of Absence

• Students who have advanced to Master's or Doctoral candidacy may apply for a leave for research or employment related to their research purposes. The International Center requires a copy of the OGS approved advancement form and a letter from the department stating the purpose of the leave prior to consideration of the leave request.

• If the student is leaving the country, International Center approval is usually granted and the student does not need a departmental letter.

The International Center is the only campus entity that can fully advise international students with regard to compliance with immigration regulations.