Taking a Break from California School: What Happens to the F-1 Visa?

You have successfully obtained a San Francisco F-1 student visa and were enjoying your studies in the beautiful state of California until life got in the way and you needed to take a break. What happens to your visa status? The following is a list of helpful tips for understanding the requirements related to your visa.

1. You may take a break without it affecting your visa status if the break lasts less than five months.
2. If the break lasts more than five months but you remain in California, you may lose your F-1 status and your visa would be invalid for future travel returning to the U.S.
3. If the break lasts more than five months but you have returned home or traveled outside of the country, you may lose your F-1 student visa status.
4. An exception to this rule may be invoked if you engaged in activities outside of the country that related to your course of study.
5. To be certain that these activities would qualify, consult with a school official prior to leaving California.
6. If you try to come back into the country, immigration officials may deny admission or cancel the visa after granting you permission to withdraw the application for admission

Taking a break from studies is sometimes unavoidable. The important thing is to plan ahead and take appropriate steps to protect yourself. For more information, contact an experienced San Francisco immigration lawyer. Fill out our online form or contact us at 415-221-2800 today.