International students must contact ISS prior to withdrawing from UIS so that SEVIS records can be properly updated. Falling below full-time enrollment without prior authorization is a violation of F-1 status and is considered an unauthorized withdrawal. An unauthorized withdrawal results in an immediate loss of status and requires an immediate departure from the United States. It may also negatively impact a student who wants to return at a later date. An authorized early withdrawal allows a student a 15 day grace period to depart the U.S. and has no negative implications for the future.
When the authorized early withdrawal is processed, the SEVIS record(s) of the student and their dependents will be terminated on the date the student drops their courses. The student’s on-campus employment will also terminate on this date. F-1 students and their dependents are permitted a 15-day grace period in which to depart the U.S. following their SEVIS termination. F-2 dependents are not eligible to remain in the U.S. once the student has departed.
After speaking with your academic advisor and DSO, you will submit the Authorized Early Withdrawal E-Form in iStart, which is located under the F-1 Student Services tab.
Make sure that all necessary steps are taken with the Office of Records and Registration prior to withdrawing from UIS. Your responsibilities prior to withdrawing can be found on the Withdrawing Students page.