/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Academic Dismissal

Academic dismissal means the University has permanently ended your enrollment because your academic performance did not meet required standards. You are no longer allowed to continue your studies at the university.

If you academically dismissed, you cannot continue to maintain your F-1 status. Visa and Immigration Services is required to terminate your F-1 status and SEVIS record within 21 days of being notified of your academic dismissal.

Academic Dismissal at SBU

VIS is notified of your academic dismissal by the Division of Undergraduate Education or the Graduate School.  Upon notification, VIS will terminate your SEVIS record and F-1 status within 21 days. It is important to meet with your VIS advisor as soon as you are notified to discuss your options for your F-1 status.

Undergraduates: The Division of Undergraduate Education provides additional information on your options if you are academically dismissed.

Graduates: Contact your academic department and/or the Graduate School for questions on the process for academic dismissal.

Options For Your F-1 Status

Transfer to Another U.S. School

If you are accepted to another U.S. school, you may be able to transfer your SEVIS record.

  • If the new school agrees to accept your SEVIS record in terminated status, submit the Transfer-Out form in accessVIS.

    • You must provide your VIS advisor with proof that your new school will accept your terminated SEVIS record. An email from the new school is sufficient.

  • If the new school does not accept a terminated record, you must request a new Initial Attendance I-20 from that school. You will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again, and you will use this I-20 to apply for a new F-1 visa, if necessary.

Depart the United States

If your SEVIS record is terminated, and you do not plan to transfer your SEVIS record, you are required to depart the U.S.

Before you leave the United States:

  1. Log in to accessVIS

  2. Complete the Ending My F-1 Status e-form under F-1 Student Services

  3. Submit the form to report your departure

SEVIS termination for academic suspension does not provide any grace period. VIS recommends departing the United States as soon as possible after your SEVIS record is terminated to avoid any negative immigration consequences.