Students Studying in The United States Medical leave of absence

A Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) is an option to consider when a student is diagnosed with a major medical illness, injury, or psychiatric illness, after the start of the term that significantly interferes with their ability to attend classes and complete requirements. We recommend that students interested in Medical Leave read through the following materials provided by University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS), along with the University catalogue for Undergraduate (non-CPS), Graduate (non-CPS) and CPS Graduate and CPS Undergraduate.

MLOAs span at least the entire academic term and are not intended for temporary absences, reduced course loads, or part-time enrollment.

If you are considering pursuing a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) please follow each of the steps below (steps 1 and 2 should be completed concurrently): 

1. Apply for a MLOA through the University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS). Information on applying for a MLOA can be found at the website of the University Health and Counseling Services. 
   • F-1 Students
     • Most F-1 students will be required to depart the U.S. for the duration of their MLOA. OGS will terminate your I-20 for “Authorized Early Withdrawal” and you will be advised to either request a new Initial I-20 or request reactivation when you have been approved by UHCS for re-entry.
     • In limited circumstances, F-1 students may qualify to take their MLOA from inside the U.S.
       • To qualify to take a MLOA from inside the U.S., federal regulations require that you provide supporting documentation to OGS that is signed by one of the following medical professionals (no exceptions): 
         • Medical Doctor, Psychiatrist, Doctor of Osteopathy, Licensed Psychologist, or Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D or PsyD.) practicing in the United States
       •  A template letter is available here
   • J-1 Students
     • Please schedule an appointment with an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in OGS to discuss your options
2. Schedule an appointment with a Designated School Official (DSO) in OGS.  A MLOA may carry serious consequences to your immigration status, and seeking guidance from an OGS advisor is an important part of the decision-making process. 
   • To schedule an appointment with a DSO, please call 617-373-2310 or visit our front desk in Boston at 354 Richards Hall. 
3. Complete the OGS MLOA Request e-form as early as possible. You do not need to have been approved for your MLOA to complete this form. 

• Pregnant students can review OUEC’s Resources for Pregnant Student & Employees to learn more about their options.
• Students must not withdraw from classes before OGS authorizes the MLOA in SEVIS. Failure to maintain full-time enrollment and on-ground presence while a request for MLOA is pending is a serious violation of F-1 status that will result in the termination of your SEVIS record. Students must maintain enrollment and class attendance until the MLOA is authorized in SEVIS. 
• UHCS may approve the MLOA for a full year. OGS is required to approve the MLOA in SEVIS each semester/term and updated medical documentation is required. It is the student’s responsibility to meet these requirements and submit a new MLOA e-form for each academic term in which they will be out on a MLOA.
• A student may only be authorized for 364 days of a medical leave per degree level 
• Please click here to view a visual representation of your steps 

You may view the FAQs in the sidebar for more information.

We recognize that this may be a stressful time for you. Please do not hesitate to contact OGS if you have additional questions. 

Please submit the Medical Leave of Absence Request e-form to inform OGS of your intention to take a MLOA. This e-form should be submitted as early as possible.

All students who have been approved for a MLOA must be approved for re-entry by University Health and Counseling Services. 

• You may learn more about requesting re-entry from a MLOA on the UHCS Website. 

Once you’ve received approval for re-entry from UHCS, you must work with OGS to request an updated Form I-20. 

• If you spent the duration of your MLOA inside of the United States and have been approved to return by UHCS, please contact OGS to confirm that your immigration record does not need any adjustments. 
  • To schedule an appointment with a DSO (F-1 students) or ARO (J-1 students), please call 617-373-2310 or visit our front desk. 
• If you spent the duration of your MLOA outside of the United States, please review the information found on Returning from a Leave of Absence Taken Outside of the U.S.