Academic Probation and Suspension

Academic Probation

The key to maintaining F-1 and J-1 status is to make normal progress toward completing a program of study. Students are placed on academic probation if their academic performance (GPA) has fallen below the minimum standards.

Academic Probation should be treated as a serious academic warning indicating the student is at risk of academic suspension or dismissal if their academic performance doesn't improve. You must work with your academic advisor to come up with a plan to improve your academic performance. While academic probation is a chance to improve your academic performance, it is very important to contact ISO immediately if you’re required by your department to enroll in less than full-time credits as this may impact your overall immigration status. Please visit the “Maintaining your Status” section on our website for more information on full-time enrollment.

Academic Suspension

Academic suspension prevents students from registering at the school for a specific period, and in some cases, students cannot be admitted to the same department. Federal law requires ISO to terminate your F-1 or J-1 record in SEVIS within 21 days after receiving notice of the suspension by your academic department.

Once your SEVIS record has been terminated, you must either transfer your SEVIS status to a new SEVP-certified school or leave the United States immediately. Grace periods do not apply once your SEVIS record has been terminated.

If you decide to file an academic appeal, you must notify ISO immediately. Notifying the ISO allows us to hold your SEVIS record in Active status until the appeal decision is finalized. We understand this can be a stressful situation, and that's why it's especially important to act quickly so that all available options remain open to you. Failure to notify ISO immediately will result in SEVIS termination within 21 days.