Leave of Absence/Withdrawal

Procedure

Graduate Students

• Student should review the immigration implications (see below) of a leave of absence/withdrawal. Student is encouraged to contact an International Student Advisor to discuss plans.
• Student will contact their Graduate Registrar to apply for a leave of absence/withdrawal.

Undergraduate Students

• Student should review the immigration implications (see below) of a leave of absence/withdrawal. Student is encouraged to contact an International Student Advisor to discuss plans.
• Student completes and submits a Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form.
• W&M adjudicates request and withdraws student on effective date.

Immigration Implications

• The student’s SEVIS record is terminated for Early Authorized Withdrawal up to 21 days after effective date (i.e., change is reflected in student's BANNER record)
• If the student is in the U.S., the students have 15 days to depart the U.S. from the day the SEVIS record is terminated.
• F-1 students: If you return to W&M more than 5 months after your SEVIS record was terminated, a new SEVIS record will be created for you when you are re-enrolled at W&M. You will need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
  • Your OPT and CPT eligibility will reset. You must be in F-1 status for at least 2 additional semesters to be eligible.