Students who do not plan to enroll in classes for an upcoming term should request a Leave of Absence to maintain their student status. Taking an official LOA allows continued access to UB email and eliminates the need to reapply upon return.

• A leave of absence may be granted for up to one year and may be extended once for an additional year if circumstances warrant.
• Students must submit the official LOA form no later than the last day of classes of the semester in which the leave is to begin.
• Students on an approved LOA:
  - Are still responsible for any outstanding tuition and fees
  - Must abide by the standard completion timeline for any "Incomplete" grades
  - Should notify the Office of Student Success and Engagement if they plan to return earlier than expected

Steps for International Students: 

International students must receive approval from International Student Services (ISS) before their Leave of Absence can be processed.

1. Contact International Student Services, at 210 Talbert Hall or via email at iss@buffalo.edu before submitting an LOA request.
2. Log in to UB Global and submit the LOA request by selecting: "F-1 Student Services" → "Graduate Student Leave of Absence"
3. Submit the form before dropping any courses. ISS will update your SEVIS record and forward the signed LOA form to the Registrar.
4. Before returning to the U.S., contact ISS 4–5 months in advance to confirm your eligibility for SEVIS reactivation or Issuance of a new initial I-20
5. Please read Returning from a Leave of Absence for more information.

Please review the ISS website for detailed guidance on Requesting a Leave of Absence and Returning from a Leave of Absence.