If a student must take a temporary leave of absence from studies due to unforeseen circumstances, the student's SEVIS record must be terminated for Authorized Early Withdrawal. A student whose record is terminated for authorized early withdrawal must depart the United States within 15 days of the record termination. With a terminated SEVIS record, the student must spend temporary absence outside the United States. If the student will be able to resume his or her studies in less than 5 months (which is considered a "temporary absence"), a Baylor DSO may request to reactivate the student's record, so that the student may return to the United States on a new I-20 (provided his or her F-1 visa is still valid). This request can be made up to 60 days before the student’s next session start date.
Note: If the student does not return before 5 months, then the student’s status may not be changed and he or she must start the process for getting a new initial I-20 including all necessary documents.