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Withdrawals & Cancellations

Please note that the following information is meant to be used only by Florida State University faculty, staff, students, and potential visitors to Florida State University and only in the context of international visits to FSU specifically. It is not intended to be used and should not be construed as general legal advice.

It is important to remember that as an exchange visitor in the J program, you have an official immigration record and a specific exchange program to fulfill. Just as we had to "begin" your immigration record and update it as information changes, we also have to "end" or transfer it when you are no longer pursuing your original program objective at FSU.

Sometimes circumstances in your academic or personal life may prevail over your academic pursuits so that you need to stop schooling before you complete your program. In order to appropriately "end" your SEVIS record, your IC adviser will need to speak with you about your plans so that he or she can provide you with the appropriate advice for your specific situation.

Whether you are graduating and going back home, are having problems and cannot continue with your studies, or need or want to go home for family/personal reasons, it is important that you let us know what your plans are so that we can advise you about your J-1 visa status and what you need to do to prevent negative short and long-term consequences on your immigration record.

If you are graduating and do not intend to: apply for Academic Training, transfer to another U.S. school, or begin another degree program, please let your immigration advisor know about your plans by e-mail.

If you are experiencing academic or financial difficulties and expect that you will not be able to continue with your program at all, it is best to formally withdraw from the university (see Withdrawal Office) so that we can approve your withdrawal and allow you 15 days to exit the country. Otherwise, if you simply stop attending school, your record will be terminated as required by law. Termination can seriously affect your chances to apply for future U.S. visas, may jeopardize your funding, and may cause you to incur costs associated with not completing your financial award contract if you are funded by a government entity.

Please note that gaps in the J program are not permitted. You must be continuously enrolled or engaged in post-completion Academic Training. If you plan to attend a study abroad program or to conduct research for your thesis or dissertation abroad, you should maintain full-time enrollment. If you have questions or concerns about being fully enrolled while abroad, please make an appointment with your immigration adviser to go through your options.

Please also remember that any transfer must be completed prior to the ending date on your DS-2019 form. Transfers during the grace period are not possible. The 30 day grace period after completion of your degree is intended to give you time to pack your belongings, make travel arrangements for home, or to travel around the U.S. prior to departure.