Commonly Used Forms for F-1 and J-1 Students

Letter Request 

If you are requesting the following types of letters, please email a completed Document Request Form to the ISSS office. Please expect 1-2 days for your request.

• Social Security eligibility verification letter
• Enrollment Confirmation letter
• Bank verification letter
• Invitation letter for family member/friend visa application
• Visa application letter
• Other

Annual Break

Students on an F-1 visa are eligible to take a quarter-long break after completing three consecutive quarters while remaining in the U.S. Return the Annual Break Request Form with your academic advisor's signature to the ISSS office. Important: You will not be covered by health insurance during your annual break. 

If you would like to take a break and you are not eligible for an Annual Break, then you need to depart the U.S. for an Authorized Early Withdrawal.

Annual Break Request Form

Authorized Early Withdrawal

An early authorized withdrawal is a permitted temporary absence from your course of study authorized by the Designated School Official.

Within 15 days of informing the DSO of your leave, please depart the United States to avoid a violation of your student visa status.

Continue your studies within 5 months and your F-1 status remains valid. Before you re-enter the U.S., please ensure your status in SEVIS is active by contacting ISSS. Prepare to share your flight itinerary and visa appointment confirmation (if applicable).

Continue your studies after 5 months and re-enter by requesting a new I-20 with a different SEVIS number, apply for applicable fees, visa renewal, etc. This option also restarts the F-1 student entry in the U.S. You must study one academic year to gain the benefit of OPT, CPT and an annual break.

 Authorized Early Withdrawal Form 2022

Reduced Course Load

You are eligible to register for less than full-time status in a term or up to 12 months if you are experiencing the following issues. Please complete the Reduced Course Load form for reasons #1 or #2 below. 

1. Academic Difficulty - This reason can only be used in your first term of your studies due to improper course placement, unfamiliarity of American teaching methods, or difficulty with the English language or reading requirements.

2. Medical Reasons - This reason is for a medical emergency or health condition for which a licensed Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, or Clinical Psychologist can provide medical documentation to support your leave. You may use the template to offer the healthcare facility for which you are getting care: NLU Medical Reduced Course Load template for health provider. 

3. In your last term of study - If you are completing your degree, you can register in at least one required class for the term; however, the class modality must have a face-to-face requirement (fully in person or hybrid).

Transferring Students

Coming to NLU? If you are on an F-1 student visa and would like to transfer to National Louis University from another university, please check with your International Student Advisor/DSO at your current institution to be sure you transfer in active status. 

Leaving NLU? If you are currently attending National Louis University and want to transfer to another university after your studies or OPT, please provide an official acceptance letter from your new school to the ISSS.  NOTE:  You must provide your official letter of acceptance from your new school within 60 days of your program end date or OPT end date.