Students may take a vacation term every summer term and/or after they have completed three consecutive terms of full-time study. If a student takes full-time classes during summer term, they may take a vacation during other terms.

When a student plans to take a vacation term during a term other than the annual summer vacation (during fall, winter or spring term), they must fill out the Notice of Vacation Term Form. Meet with an international student advisor if you began taking classes in winter, spring, or summer and need a vacation term.

During a vacation term, students may take classes and may be less than a full-time credit load. They may also travel inside or outside the U.S. if they have an updated travel signature.

Before traveling outside the U.S., students should check that all their immigration and travel documents are up to date.

Travel Signature: Students must get an updated signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 every six months if they will travel outside the U.S. If the signature will be more than six months old when reentering the U.S., a new signature will need to be added.

You must complete the I-20 and DS-2019 Travel Signature and Visa Renewal Form at least 2 business days prior to your travel in order to obtain a new travel authorization signature. Bring your current I-20 or DS-2019, and copies of updated documents to the OIED when submitting the form.

Check the Following BEFORE Traveling Outside the U.S.:

• The expiration date on your passport (and the passports of your dependents) must be valid at least six months after the date you plan to re-enter the U.S. If not, make sure to renew it.
• The expiration date on your U.S. visa must be valid up to the date you plan to re-enter, otherwise, you must apply for a visa renewal while abroad. However, if you travel to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for under 30 days, you may re-enter with an expired visa and it will be automatically revalidated.
• The date of the travel authorization signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 must not be older than six months from the day when your re-enter the U.S.
• Many countries require foreign visitors to have a visa to enter their country.  Check with the consulate or embassy of the country that you plan to visit to see if a visa is necessary. Alternatively, you may want to contact the embassy or consulate in your home country. Keep in mind that applying for visas can take months, so check early.

• Contact the Registrar’s office to apply for and confirm graduation at least 3 terms before your expected graduation term. This may require a meeting with your major academic advisor.
• Contact the OIED and inform them of your graduation term. If you will take less than full time classes your final term (under 12 credits as an undergraduate student or 9 credits as a graduate student). you will need to complete a Reduced Course Load form at the beginning of the term.
• During your last term, check with your professors if your grade in the class is passing or be prepared to extend your SEVIS record if you will not graduate by the end date on your I-20/DS-2019. You must file for an I-20/DS-2019 extension before the end date or apply for reinstatement.
• Complete the Graduation Departure WOU to have your immigration record properly completed.
• If you plan to apply for Optional Practical Training, Academic Training, change your immigration status, or change education levels (apply to a Masters or PhD program), understand that it may take 2+ months to get approved, so plan ahead and apply early.

• Procedures for returning will vary depending on how long you have been outside of the U.S. Review the Leave of Absence Information for details.
• You must be fully aware of your responsibilities over the course of the time you are gone as well as the times when you must be in communication with OIED.
• Depart the U.S. within 7 days.

• Contact the OIED and inform them of your intent to withdraw or take a leave of absence. After the departure paperwork is completed, the OIED office will give permission to the international student to drop any current or future classes.
• The student must complete an application for withdrawal from the University, obtain the necessary signatures, and return the form to the Registrar’s office.
• Contact the Cashier’s office to receive any refund of tuition and fees (if during the term).
• Visit the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for an exit interview.
• Depart the U.S. within 7 days.

Students who plan to transfer to another SEVIS approved school need to complete certain steps to ensure their immigration record is properly maintained. Start by submitting the SEVIS Transfer Out Form. You must also bring your admission letter from the new school to the OIED office in order to have your SEVIS record moved to the new school.

• At the start of the term you plan to transfer, complete the departure paperwork and the transfer-out form.
• Usually, the new school will require the student and the current international student advisor to complete a “Transfer-In form”. Give the form to the WOU International Student Advisor to fill out and fax to the transfer school.
• Submit the acceptance letter from the new school to the OIED.
• If you are funded by the Saudi Cultural Mission, notify them of the transfer and submit the new financial guarantee for the new school to the OIED for confirmation of transfer acceptance.
• Confirm that you will start attendance at the new school by the next available term, or within 5 months of taking full time classes (whichever is sooner).
• After the transfer release date, you will need to contact your new school to issue a new I-20 or DS-2019. Employment authorization through WOU for both on and off campus ends at this time.
• Any student holding a J-1 visa who wishes to transfer to a new school needs to meet with an International Student Advisor.