For you to return to RPI, you must first apply to return as an RPI student with the appropriate office.
- For undergraduates, contact the Dean of Students Office (DOSO)
- For graduate students, contact the Office of Graduate Education (OGE)
The process to return to RPI has two parts:
- You are approved by the appropriate office to return to RPI (either DOSO or OGE); and
- You apply for a new I-20 from ISSS.
Complete the return application first, then apply for the I-20 through the Returning Student I-20 Application in Via International (VI).
We cannot issue the I-20 until after you are approved to return, but can review your documentation in advance to speed up the processing time. I-20s will be issued and sent electronically to you.
International students returning after a leave return on a new, initial I-20.
This means that you:
- will have a new SEVIS number
- must pay a new SEVIS fee
- must have an unexpired F-1 visa before returning to the U.S.
- cannot enter the U.S. in F-1 status more than 30 days before the start date on the new I-20
In addition, all readmitted international students must provide new proof of financial support.
You can apply for a new I-20 before you have been approved to return, but International Services cannot issue the I-20 until after your readmission has been approved. Apply for the I-20 through the Returning Student I-20 Application in Via International (VI).
- International students returning from a leave are required by law to check-in with International Services upon return to RPI.
- We will send you an email within two weeks before the start of your the semester you return with instructions on how to complete the Electronic Check-In (ECI) and International Student Foundations (ISF) processes.
- International students must enroll in a full-time course load for the semester they return to RPI. Please keep this in mind if you will return in the summer semester, as you must be enrolled full-time to maintain your F-1 status.
- For undergraduate students, the immigration requirement is 12 credits.
- For graduate students, the immigration requirement is 9 credits.
