Authorized Early Withdrawal for International Students

An international student may request an authorized early withdrawal during their academic program for family or personal reasons that require them to stop their studies and leave the United States.

Approval of an authorized early withdrawal results in the termination of the international student's SEVIS record.

Types

• Temporary absence, with the student returning within five months of the SEVIS termination date.
• Absence or withdrawal of more than five months. The student will not return or will return more than five months after termination.

Eligibility

• The student must have valid F-1 student status.
• The student must leave the United States during the authorized early withdrawal period.
• Students who do not plan to leave the United States are not eligible.

Application

• Complete the request packet:
  • Authorized Early Withdrawal form for F-1 students
  • Supporting documentation, such as a travel itinerary and proof of departure from the United States
  • Student Health Insurance Petition for Refund
• Schedule an appointment with an advisor at the Center for International Studies to submit the packet and review eligibility:
  • Email: international@stcloudstate.edu
  • Phone: 320-308-4287
  • Office: Lawrence Hall 101
• An advisor will review the packet and email the student to confirm whether it has been processed, requires additional documentation, or has been denied.
• Pick up the completed packet at the Center for International Studies.

Key points

• Students must allow the Center for International Studies seven full business days to process a complete application.
• International students must depart the United States within 15 calendar days of SEVIS termination.
• Students have five months from the date their SEVIS record is terminated, or until the start of the next academic session (whichever occurs first), to return to the United States and resume studies on their current SEVIS record.
• Students must provide the Center for International Studies with a current personal email address, as their HuskyNet email account may be deactivated.
• Any on-campus employment ends on the date SEVIS termination occurs.
• Any CPT authorization ends on the date SEVIS termination occurs.
• All dependents in F-2 status will have their SEVIS records terminated when the F-1 student's SEVIS record is terminated and must depart the United States with the F-1 visa holder.
• Students must meet with the Business Services Office and pay any remaining balances before departure.
• Students employed as graduate assistants are responsible for discussing the impact of their withdrawal with their supervisor.
• Students are responsible for submitting a Health Insurance Refund request if they wish to receive a refund. Students are not required to maintain St. Cloud State University health insurance while outside the United States if their SEVIS record is inactive. However, a break in coverage may require waiting one year or longer before benefits are available for pre-existing conditions.