Authorized Early Withdrawal

If you are considering an AEW during a semester that requires full-time enrollment, you must complete the AEW process before dropping classes. Withdrawing from classes without prior authorization is a violation of F-1 status. Upon applying for AEW, your SEVIS record will be terminated. You may request to reactivate your SEVIS record if you are able to return to the U.S. to resume your studies within 5 months.

Please note, the ISSO cannot guarantee the reactivation of your F-1 SEVIS record after termination due to AEW. Reactivation requests are adjudicated by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). SEVP has the discretion to request additional documentation for reactivation requests, including but not limited to:

• Proof of last date of physical attendance, such as course drop request form or letter from academic department or professor
• Proof that you submitted the AEW request to the ISSO prior to departing the U.S.
• Proof of enrollment in upcoming semester
• Proof of re-entry (flight itinerary) to return to the U.S. within the 30 days prior to the start of classes

Students who request AEW after the first day of classes or did not enroll full-time in the semester they requested AEW have a higher risk of denial. If your reactivation request is denied, you must apply for a new I-20 and F-1 visa to re-enter the U.S., and you must re-establish eligibility for benefits such as CPT or OPT.

Process

1. Submit a completed AEW request form and a copy of your course schedule for the current semester and the upcoming semester to the ISSO at ISSODocuments@utdallas.edu.
2. Apply for AEW before departing the U.S. and prior to the first day of classes, if possible.
   • If you request AEW after departing the U.S., SEVP may deny your AEW reactivation request. If an emergency occurs while you are outside the U.S., we recommend contacting an ISSO advisor for guidance.
   • If you request AEW after the first day of classes, you must be enrolled full-time for the semester. In order to reactivate your F-1 record, SEVP may require proof of full-time enrollment and/or class attendance.
3. If you are enrolled, you may withdraw from classes after you receive notification from the ISSO that your AEW has been approved.
4. Your F-1 record will be terminated after ISSO processes the AEW form or from the date you indicate you will leave the U.S.
5. You must depart the U.S. within 15 days of your AEW termination date.

Important Note: UT Dallas closes for holidays and breaks throughout the year. You must be aware of these dates so you can request the ISSO to reactivate your SEVIS record before the university is closed. Delaying your request to reactivate your SEVIS record could directly affect your re-entry into the U.S. and your ability to enroll in classes for the next semester.

Implications of AEW

• Upon termination of the F-1 SEVIS record, all F-1 benefits, including employment (such as CPT or an on-campus job) cease immediately.
• SEVIS records of F-2 dependents sponsored under your F-1 will also be terminated. F-2 dependents are not allowed to remain the U.S.
• If you have not already left, you must leave the U.S. within 15 days of the termination date or the next Census Day, whichever comes first.
• If you do not leave the U.S. within the stated times, you will be out of status and in the country without authorization.
• If you wish to return to the U.S. more than 5 months later to study, you will need a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID number.
• In order to reactivate your current SEVIS record within 5 months, you must request the ISSO to submit a correction request to SEVP. SEVP has the discretion to deny this request. The ISSO cannot guarantee your SEVIS record will be reactivated.

Approval for an AEW only affects your immigration status. The ISSO will not withdraw you from classes or notify other university offices regarding the withdrawal of your F-1 status. You must contact the relevant offices, including the Registrar’s Office, Bursar’s Office, University Housing, scholarship granting office, etc.

Students who request AEW will not be automatically dropped from their courses due to AEW, lack of attendance, or non-payment. Students are solely responsible for ensuring that they have successfully dropped their courses in order to avoid additional fees and charges to their account and to avoid receiving a grade of ‘F’ for nonattendance. Visit https://registrar.utdallas.edu/registration/ for instructions on how to drop your courses.

Early withdrawal from your program may affect your academic record. We strongly advise you to check in with the following offices:

• Academic Department: Impact of AEW on your academic record and scholarship or assistantship if any
• Bursar’s Office: Deadlines for refunds and payments
• Registrar’s Office: Deadlines for dropping classes
• Student Health Center: Student health insurance coverage and fees

Returning F-1 Students

If you left the U.S. after obtaining an Authorized Early Withdrawal (AEW) from ISSO, and you wish to return to the U.S. to continue your academic program, you will need to do the following:

1. Contact your Academic Department to verify you will be able to:
   – Return to your academic program and
   – Enroll in sufficient face-to-face credit hours to maintain your F-1 status
2. Request a new I-20 from the ISSO. Submit the appropriate request according to how long you were outside of the U.S. as a result of AEW. Count the time from the date you left to the date you intend to return.

	Outside U.S. less than 5 months	Outside U.S. more than 5 months
Obtain a Valid I-20.	60 days prior to the next semester start date, submit the following documents to ISSODocuments@utdallas.edu AEW SEVIS Reactivation request form Flight itinerary for return to U.S. Transcripts Proof of enrollment for the next available semester If you withdrew after the start of classes, include proof of last date of class attendance such as course drop request form or letter from academic department or professor. ISSO cannot guarantee reactivation of your SEVIS record.	Submit documents to obtain an Initial I-20.
Next steps.	If the correction request is approved, you can use your current I-20 to re-enter the U.S. You may still use the same visa if it is unexpired. Your OPT and CPT benefits eligibility has not changed.	You will have a new I-20 and a different SEVIS number. You may have to apply for a new F-1 visa. Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate for details. You will need to re-establish eligibility for F-1 benefits such as OPT and CPT. You will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee for your new SEVIS ID number.
Re-entering the U.S.	We recommend you enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to the start date of your new semester.	You cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the program start date on your I-20. You must enter the U.S. no later than the program start date on your I-20.

Frequently Asked Questions