International students who need to take a leave of absence or withdraw from The New School must complete a Student Exit Form available from academic advisors. You may take an official "leave of absence" for no more than one academic year and return to The New School without academic penalty. You will not need to reapply for admission. If you take a leave of absence for more than one year, then you will be treated as if you had "withdrawn."

If you "withdraw" you are permanently separated from the University. If you want to return to The New School after withdrawing, you must reapply for admission through your Office of Admissions.

Please note that neither leave nor withdrawal apply if you finish your program of study more quickly than expected. In that case, you complete your program of study, and this section does not apply.

However, Department of Homeland Security has its own rules regarding leave that are separate and distinct from the University rules. When you take an official leave of absence or withdraw from school, your nonimmigrant status becomes invalid and you must leave the USA within 15 days of the effective date of the leave. Your grace period (60 days for F–1 Students and 30 days for J–1 Exchange Visitors) does not apply because you are terminating your program early. (The only exception to this rule is a leave of absence for valid medical reasons documented by medical providers and approved by ISS.) Please see an International Student Advisor to discuss your situation.

If you leave the USA for more than five consecutive months, then when you return you will need to restart your F or J status.

Contact ISS immediately to discuss this requirement if you are taking a leave of absence in your senior year.