Research and Study Abroad

• Overview

  International students must inform Visa & Immigration Services of their proposed study or research outside of the U.S. prior to departing.

  Approved requests for researching/studying abroad, along with the maintenance of full-time enrollment, will ensure that your SEVIS record remains active while you are abroad.

• Important Considerations

  
  Important Considerations

  Before you begin your research or study abroad, make sure you keep in mind the following: 

  Enrollment

  You are required to register full-time  in order to maintain your F-1 immigration status while abroad. If less than a full-time courseload is required to complete your degree program, you must be approved for a Final Semester Reduced Course Load. Any unauthorized changes in enrollment while authorized for research or study abroad could affect your ability to return to the U.S. 

  Valid Documentation

  Make sure you have a valid passport, travel signature (no more than 1-year old) and an unexpired F-1 visa prior to returning to the U.S.

  Employment

  Because immigration status is not interrupted by research abroad, you are eligible for OPT or CPT upon returning to the U.S. if you were enrolled full-time for one academic year.

  Please note: For students wishing to request Post-Completion OPT, you must be physically within the U.S. to apply for OPT authorization from USCIS.  

• Research/Study Abroad

  
  Research Abroad for Graduate Students

  If you wish to request authorization from Visa & Immigration Services to research abroad, please login to accessVIS and complete the "Graduate Research Abroad" request. Students must complete this form each semester they plan to spend abroad.

  Students traveling abroad under sponsored research awards are required to register in the Concur Request Module. Click here for Research Travel Guidance. For guidance while traveling on State funds, click here.

  
  Study Abroad for Undergraduate Students

  International Academic Programs offers programs in six continents and almost thirty different countries, with over eighty partner universities.

  It is important that international students consult their International Student Advisor before finalizing any Study Abroad plans, and remain informed of immigration implications that go hand-in-hand with studying overseas.

  If you wish to request authorization from Visa & Immigration Services to study abroad, please login to accessVIS and complete the "Study Abroad Request (Undergrad)" eForm.

  Students must complete the "Study Abroad Request (Undergrad)" eForm in accessVIS prior to the start of each semester they plan to spend abroad.

  Visit the International Academic Programs Office or visit the site for more information about studying abroad!

  Visit Study Abroad