What is the Five-Month Rule.note

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What is the Five-Month Rule?

January 14, 2015

The five month rule refers to the termination of a student’s record in the Student and

Information System () based on the student being or not in status for five

months. This rule applies to the following students:

If your student record is terminated, you fall under the five-month rule and you wish to return to the

United States as a student, you will need to obtain a new/initial

with a new SEVIS ID and pay the again. Only if

your current student visa is no longer valid, do you possibly also need to apply for and

receive a new student visa.

For more information on student visas, visit the . To determine

whether the five-month rule applies to you, contact your designated school official or the

where you would renew your visa.

Exchange Visito

r SEVIS away from classes

Students who have had their student record terminated (i.e., been out of status) for more than five

months; and

Students who have spent more than five months outside of the United States during an absence

from school, excluding those participating in authorized . study abroad programs

Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for

Nonimmigrant Student Status," I-901 SEVIS Fee

U.S. Department of State’s website

U.S. Embas

sy or Consulate