Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) Overview

Updated 04/2026

A Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) is an option for students who have been diagnosed with a major medical illness, injury, or psychiatric illness after the start of a term that significantly interferes with their ability to attend classes and complete requirements.

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

Key Resources

Requesting a MLOA

If your situation requires urgent action, follow these steps. Steps 1, 2, and 3 should be completed at the same time.

1 Apply for a MLOA through University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS)

Information on applying can be found on the UHCS website.

  • 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.” In limited circumstances, F-1 students may qualify to take their MLOA from inside the U.S. See the planning section below for details on eligibility.
  • J-1 students: Schedule an appointment with an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in OGS to discuss your options.

2 Schedule an Appointment with OGS

A MLOA may carry serious consequences to your immigration status. An OGS advisor will help you understand your situation and ensure your SEVIS record is handled correctly.

Call +1-617-373-2310 or visit our front desk in Boston at 354 Richards Hall.

3 Complete the OGS MLOA Request e-form

Submit the MLOA Request e-form as early as possible. You do not need to have been approved for your MLOA before submitting this form.

4 Depart the U.S. (if required)

If you are required to depart, your OGS advisor will advise you on the required timeline for departure.

Planning for your MLOA

If you have time to plan, reviewing this section before your leave begins can help you avoid unexpected consequences to your immigration status and employment eligibility.

Taking your MLOA inside vs. outside the U.S.

Most F-1 students are required to depart the U.S. for the duration of their MLOA. However, in limited circumstances, F-1 students may qualify to remain in the U.S. during their leave to seek medical treatment. To qualify, federal regulations require supporting documentation signed by one of the following U.S.-licensed medical professionals (no exceptions):

  • Medical Doctor, Psychiatrist, Doctor of Osteopathy, Licensed Psychologist, or Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

A template letter is available here. Discuss this option with your OGS advisor early in the process.

Understanding How Leave Length Affects Your Return (The 5-month Rule)

The length of your MLOA is important, particularly regarding how you will return to the U.S. and whether your F-1/J-1 benefits (such as CPT and OPT eligibility) will be affected.

  • If your MLOA outside of the U.S. is less than 5 months
    • You may be eligible for the reactivation of your existing SEVIS record (subject to SEVP approval). For F-1 students, this means that your eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) will remain unchanged.
  • If your MLOA outside of the U.S. is more than 5 months
    • You will receive a new Initial I-20/DS-2019 to return to study. This means that you will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee associated with your new SEVIS record and for F-1 students, you will need to spend one academic year in valid status before gaining eligibility for CPT and OPT.

For complete details, visit our Returning from a Leave of Absence page.

Additional Information and Resources

  • A student may only be authorized for a total of 364 days of medical leave per degree level. If you require more than 364 days, you will need to notify OGS and make plans to depart the U.S. A new Initial I-20 will be required to return.
  • UHCS may approve a MLOA for a full year, but if you are remaining in the U.S. for your MLOA, OGS must authorize it each semester in SEVIS. Updated medical documentation is required each term. It is your responsibility to submit a new MLOA e-form for each academic term in which you will be on leave.
  • If your I-20 will expire while you are on an approved MLOA inside the U.S., you must also request a program extension at least 30 days prior to the Program End Date on your I-20.

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

Returning from a MLOA

When you are ready to resume your studies at Northeastern, the process for returning will depend on the length of your MLOA and the location of your MLOA.

For complete instructions, visit our Returning from a Leave of Absence page.

Key Resources

Submit a Medical Leave of Absence Request E-Form »

This request is for an international student that requires a medical leave of absence.

Academic Recommendation for Program Extension »

This document is for an international student that requires recommendation from their academic department to justify they need additional time to complete their program of study. Part II and III must be completed by the academic department. Please refer to the Program Extension guidance page before proceeding with completing this PDF form.