SEVIS Closure (authorized early withdrawal)
Learn about closing the SEVIS record properly.
Overview and Definition
Students planning to leave the United States for an extended period of time before completing their program of study need to close their SEVIS record. Students need to report to ISSS their plan to depart to give us authorization to close out the SEVIS record, otherwise the record will be terminated for failure to enroll.
It is the student's responsibility to maintain their F-1 status and report to ISSS any updates to their situation.
Once ISSS approves your request, it is important to know that your immigration status will no longer be active. It is advised students depart within 15 days of the approval notice by ISSS.
General Guidelines
- Report and meet with ISSS before submitting the SEVIS Closure request so that advisors can better understand the student's situation.
- Students are advised to depart the United States 15 days from the day ISSS approves your SEVIS closure request. If the student's departure plan is delayed, it is the student's responsibility to inform ISSS in time.
- ISSS will not petition to USCIS to have the student's old SEVIS record number be reinstated.
- Students must apply for an Initial I-20 with a new SEVIS record number from either ISSS or the Office of Admissions prior to their return. More information about applying for a new I-20 can be found on our Receiving an Initial I-20 page.
Students are eligible for a vacation semester if they are intending to enroll in the Fall semester. If the student is not intending to enroll in the fall semester, they should plan to depart the United States after the Spring semester and submit a SEVIS Closure request by the add/drop deadline for Summer semester.
Application Steps
Meet with a International Student Advisor (Designated School Official)
Students will need to provide additional information/context so that the advisor can provide the correct options prior to closing the student's SEVIS record.
Login to UAtlas
Complete a leave of absence request with the Registrar to ensure your academic record remains active during your break.
Complete the "SEVIS Closure (Authorized Early Withdrawal)" e-form.
A Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS will review the completed application.
Once the DSO receives the completed application, they will process the request within
10 business days. DSOs will review the student's application.
SEVIS Record Closed
Once the application is approved, the DSO will close the SEVIS record and students
will not receive a new I-20 with this request. Students are advised to depart the United States 15 days from the day ISSS approves
your SEVIS closure request. If the student's departure plan is delayed, it is the student's responsibility to
inform ISSS in time.
Students ready to return to the University of Utah must request an Initial I-20 from ISSS.
SEVIS Closure - Frequently Asked Questions
It is recommended you reach out to ISSS 2 months prior to their return to ensure we can get you all the documents you need.
The earliest you can re-enter the United States is 30 days before the program start date listed on your new I-20.
No, since your SEVIS record will be in initial status, a travel signature is not necessary.
Closing your SEVIS record will reset your clock for CPT/OPT eligibility. Upon returning on a new SEVIS ID, you will have to meet another academic year before being eligible for practical training.