Academic Suspension

Academic suspension means the University has temporarily stopped your continued enrollment because your academic performance did not meet University standards. During this period, you are not allowed to take classes and must meet specific requirements before you can return.

If you are placed on academic suspension and cannot enroll in classes at SBU, 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 suspension.

Academic Suspension at SBU

Undergraduate Students

The Division of Undergraduate Education will notify you if you are placed on academic suspension and whether you are eligible to petition for conditional reinstatement. No changes will be made to your SEVIS record while your appeal options are still available and in progress.

The Division of Undergraduate Education will keep VIS informed of your suspension status, appeal options, and any updates during the process. VIS will take action on your SEVIS record within 21 days after a final decision is made.

It is important to schedule an appointment with your VIS advisor as soon as you are aware of your academic standing so they can discuss your options.

Review Undergraduate Education Academic Standing Information

Graduate Students

If you are academically suspended from the University, it is important to meet with your VIS advisor as soon as you are notified to discuss your options for your F-1 status. VIS must report your academic suspension in SEVIS within 21 days of when the advisor is notified by you or your academic department. For additional questions about the academic standing process, you can contact your academic department and the Graduate School at gradschool@stonybrook.edu.

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:

Log in to accessVIS
Complete the Ending My F-1 Status e-form under F-1 Student Services
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.