| Request | Visa Category | Requirements | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Training Evaluation Form | J-1 | All J-1 students engaged in Academic Training are required to complete the Academic Training Evaluation Form upon completion 1. Complete the Academic Training Evaluation Form 2. drop form off in OIPS, SUB I, room 4300 or email an electronic copy to oips@gmu.edu. |  Automatic |
| Academic Training | J-1 student | J-1 Students in good standing can use Academic Training to be employed in their field of studies during their program or post-completion. Please complete the following steps to be considered for Academic Training: 1. review the Academic Training workshop (two videos) 2. review eligibility requirements listed in the Academic Training packet 3. meet with J-1 Student Advisor Christine Bodziak during Fairfax walk-in advising hours to discuss your Academic Training 4. request a letter from the employer, outlining the specifics of the job per the Academic Training Requirements 5. request your academic dean or advisor to complete the Academic Training recommendation form 6. Submit documents securely via the J-1 Dynamic Form. Email is not secure. Do not email your documents. |  2-3 weeks |
| Cap Gap I-20 Request Form | F-1 | Students who apply for Cap Gap have to meet the following conditions: 1. OPT is expiring after April 1 2. the employer has a timely filed H-1B application 3. the student has a copy of the H-1B I-797C Notice of Action (Receipt Notice) To request a Cap Gap I-20, complete the online Cap Gap I-20 request form |  7-10 business days |
| Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) | F-1/J-1 Student | A Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) and supporting bank statements show your ability to pay the tuition and living expenses. 1. review the CFR Sample 2. download, print and complete the CFR | 7-10 business days |
| Change of Personal Information | F-1/J-1 | Students who need to update any personal information such as their name or birth date, follow the instructions below. 1. Complete the Change of Personal Information form 2. Submit form to oipsregs@gmu.edu | 7-10 business days |
| Change to F-1 Status I-20 Request | Various | International students (A/B, F-2, H-1, H-4, J-1, L-2) can request to change their nonimmigrant status to F-1, either by travel or while remaining in the US. 1. Read the web page Change to F-1 Status 2. Schedule a 45-minute appointment with an OIPS advisor (required) 3. If applying for a Change of Status while remaining in the US, find an immigration lawyer to assist you with the Change of Status process with USCIS 4. Gather required documents: - Certificate of Financial Responsibility, - Proof of Funding - Copies of your passport, visa, and I-94 - Additional documents may be required if you are currently in dependent status or want to request F2 I-20s for your dependents 5. Complete the Change to F1 Status Form and upload your documents. 6. Pay the SEVIS fee 7. Next steps depend if you apply for F-1 status by travel or while remaining in the US. A. For Travel: Leave the US and apply for your F-1 visa at a US consulate abroad. Re-enter the US using your new F-1 status no more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20. B. For COS in US: Contact your immigration lawyer for next steps. USCIS approves your Change of Status while in the US. | 3-4 weeks +  Processing time varies |
| Concurrent Enrollment Letter | F-1 | F-1 students can request a concurrent enrollment letter from OIPS to confirm that they are enrolled full-time at Mason while intending to take a course at another US institution. 1. complete online Concurrent Enrollment request form | 7-10 business days |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) I-20 | F-1 | CPT is an authorization to participate temporarily in an internship for credit or a required thesis/dissertation project. PHASE I- Pre-Approval Meet with an OIPS Advisor to be Pre-Approved for CPT. Do this before completing any other part of your application. Have your position description available for the appointment, or be able to describe what you will be doing.*Your application for CPT will be denied if you are not pre-approved. PHASE II- Application Complete the CPT Application on the OIPS web site.Step 1: Provide your Academic Advisor/Department Chair/Dean/Internship Coordinator and Training Organization's emails. Notify your Academic Advisor/Department Head/Dean/Internship Coordinator and Employer that they will receive this form by email and they will need to complete it before you can have your CPT authorized. Step 2: Complete your portion of the form and upload your required documents. Step 3: Your Academic Advisor/Department Chair/Dean receives the form via email and completes their section. Step 4: Your Training Organization receives the form via email and completes their section. Step 5: OIPS reviews your application. Step 6: Once your CPT I-20 is ready you will receive an email from OIPS within 10 business days. You are not authorized for CPT until you have received your new I-20 with the CPT authorization on page 2. | 3-4 weeks |
| F-2 Dependent I-20 | F-1 | F-1 students can invite their spouse and/or child(ren) to stay with them for the duration of their study 1. complete the online F-2 Dependent I-20 Request form 2. attach required documents (OIPS Funding Document, proof of funding, copies of passport, proof of relationship) | 7-10 business days |
| Family Invitation Sample Letter | F-1/J-1 student | You do NOT need any letter or document from the OIPS to invite a family member as a B-2 visitor. If you wish to invite family members to visit the United States for a short time on a B-2 visitor visa, you may provide them with the following: 1. a personal invitation letter, which should include your name, school, relationship to the applicant, name of applicant, applicant’s place and date of birth, dates expected to visit the United States, duration of visit, preferred arrival date, and whether you will provide financial support for the applicant’s visit. Click here to download a sample letter. 2. GMU enrollment certification 3. copies of your I-20 or DS-2019, visa stamp, and I-94 record 4. copies of your proof of financial support, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, and/or personal bank statements if you stated that you would provide financial support for the applicant during his/her stay in the US | Online download |
| I-20 Reprint | F-1 | F-1 students can request an I-20 reprint when misplaced/damaged or if they need a travel signature. 1. Complete the online I-20 Reprint request form Note: You do not need your I-20 when you leave the U.S, only when you re-enter. You will receive your I-20 with Travel Signature before you re-enter the U.S. However, you might not receive it within 7-10 business days of your request date, especially if the request date is several weeks/months before your re-entry date. | For requests not related to travel signatures” |
| Immigration Status Update Form | Various | Former F-1 students who changed their immigration status to PR-pending, PR, H-1B and US citizen must complete the "Request to update immigration record in university database" form. OIPS will update your immigration record in Banner. 1. Complete the Request to update immigration record in university database form | 1-3 business days |
| International Student Check-in Troubleshooting Form | F-1 | If you experience any problems with your online check-in, please complete the New International Student Check-in Troubleshooting form. 1. complete the online International Student Check-in Troubleshooting Form 2. if you experience a technical error, please attach a screen shot (included in the form) 3. submit the form 4. an OIPS staff member will review your request within 1-2 business days | 1-2 business days |
| International Student Check-in | F-1/J-1 student | New international students AND current international students who will pursue a new degree program at Mason are required to check in with OIPS. 1. complete the online International Student Check-in Form for F-1 Students or complete the online International Student Check-in Form for J-1 Students Note: It takes about 45 minutes to complete the form. An OIPS staff member will review your submission within three business days. Once your check-in has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an email confirming that your check-in is complete. You will then be able to apply for a Social Security Number (only for students with a job offer letter!) and/or a U.S. driver license. | 2-3 business days |
| J-2 Employment Instructions | J-2 | J-2 dependents need to request permission from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work in the US. 1. review the J-2 Employment Instructions (PDF) 2. gather required documents (see checklist J-2 Employment Instructions) 3. schedule an appointment with an OIPS advisor to review packet 4. mail application to USCIS 5. receive EAD card from USCIS 6. begin work Note: USCIS approves the application. The application process can take 2-3 months. | Walk-in hours + 2-3 months |
| Missing I-20 Template Letter | F-1 | If you are missing previous I-20's for your OPT/STEM OPT application you can include a letter using this template in your application to USCIS. 1. Download the letter template 2. Add your personal information and delete instructional text 3. Print and hand sign with a pen | Online download |
| OIPS Funding Document | F-1 | This form is used as supporting documentation by current F-1 students who are requesting a new I-20 which may include but is not limited to reasons such as program extension, adding dependents, or change of degree. 1. Carefully review the information on page two 2. Download and complete the OIPS Funding Document. Be sure to obtain all required signatures and supporting financial documents. | Processing Time Varies |
| OIPS Submissions Form | Various | Do not submit documents by email. Use the OIPS Submissions Form to securely upload documents. | |
| On-Campus Employment Certification (OCEC) | F-1/J-1 student | F-1 and J-1 students need permission from OIPS to work on campus 1. review the F-1 eligibility requirements or J-1 eligibility requirements. 2. Fill out the OCEC form 3. complete student section 4. ask employer to complete their section 5. Submit form to OCEC Submission Form. J-1 students also submit your on-campus employment offer letter along with OCEC form. | 7-10 Business Days |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) I-20 (OIPS) + OPT Application Approval (USCIS) | F-1 | F-1 students can engage in OPT while they are still attending school and/or after they graduate. 1. Review the eligibility requirements 2. Sign up for online OPT workshop (You will receive an email with log-in instructions within 1-3 days.) 3. Complete online OPT workshop (International Student Launchpad) 4. Receive OPT packet by email from OIPS with OPT I-20 Request Form 5. Let your academic advisor know they will get an email to complete the OPT I-20 request form 6. Once you and your academic advisor complete the OPT I-20 request form, OIPS will review your request. 7. Receive OPT I-20 from OIPS 8. Complete an OPT Packet Review Note: USCIS makes the final approval of your application. Therefore, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have met all USCIS requirements regarding your OPT application. The application can take several months. See the USCIS website for current processing times: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ | 2-3 weeks + 2-3 months |
| OPT Application Packet Review | F-1 | F-1 students can engage in OPT while they are still attending school and/or after they graduate. 1. Complete the steps above to request and receive your OPT I-20. 2. Prepare your OPT Application for USCIS. 3. Choose one of the following methods for an OPT Packet Review: A. Use the OPT Packet Guide for step by step instructions on building your OPT Application or the STEM OPT Packet Guide for step-by-step instructions on building your STEM OPT Application OR B. Meet with an OIPS advisor to complete an OPT Packet Review. Have all required documents ready on your computer. You will share the documents during your virtual appointment Note: USCIS makes the final approval of your application. Therefore, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have met all USCIS requirements regarding your OPT application. The application can take several months. See the USCIS website for current processing times: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ | 2-3 weeks + 2-3 months |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop Access + Log-in Instructions | F-1 | F-1 students must complete the online OPT workshop BEFORE they can request an OPT I-20 from OIPS Instructions 1. complete the OPT workshop access form 2. you will receive an email with log-in instructions within 1-3 days. | 1-3 business days |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT)/STEM OPT Employment Update Form | F-1 | F-1 students engaging in OPT/STEM OPT still hold F-1 status in the U.S. and must report their employment information. 1. submit the online OPT/STEM OPT Employment Update form | 7-10 business days |
| Program Extension | J-1 student | J-1 students must request a program extension if they cannot complete their J-1 program by the end date listed on the DS-2019. 1. Download the J-1 Student Program Extension form. 2. Read and carefully follow the instructions in the Checklist for J-1 Program Extension on the first page of the form. 3. Complete the student section of the form. 4. Ask your academic advisor to complete their section. 5. China 1+2+1 Students email China121@gmu.edu to request a signature on the form. 6. Gather required (proof of funding) documents. 7. Attach Certificate of Financial Responsibility 8. Attach current passport, current visa, and current I-94 record for J-1 student and any J-2 dependents. 9. If you live off campus, please provide screenshots from Patriotweb of your PERMANENT and OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE addresses. 10. Proof of health insurance that meets the J requirements for the extension period for any J-2 dependents. 11. Submit documents securely via the J-1 Dynamic Form. Email is not secure. Do not email your documents. | 7-10 business days |
| Program Extension | F-1 | F-1 students must request a program extension if they cannot graduate by the program completion date listed on the I-20. 1. If the reason for extension is for academic reasons, download and complete Program Extension Form A (student) and Program Extension Form B (Academic Advisor and student). 2. If the reason for the extension is medical, please provide documentation from a physician or licensed psychologist. 3. Provide proof of funding. 4. Complete Certificate of Financial Responsibility. 5. If you live off campus, please provide screenshots from Patriotweb of your PERMANENT and OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE addresses. 6. Provide a copy of your I-94. 7. Provide a copy of your current I-20 (pages 1-2). 8. Provide a copy of your GMU transcript. Download an unofficial copy from Patriotweb. 9. Log into the request form to upload all documents. You will need to enter your NetID to access the form. | 7-10 business days |
| Reduced Course Load (RCL) for Academic Reasons | F-1 | A student must apply for reduced course load if, due to academic difficulties, he/she is unable to be enrolled full time. 1. review the RCL web page 2. download and complete the Request for Reduced Course Load Authorization form 3. ask your academic advisor to write a letter, providing an explanation based on one of the academic reasons 4. submit the documents using the OIPS Submissions Form | 7-10 business days |
| Reduced Course Load (RCL) for an Illness or Medical Condition | F-1 | A student must apply for RCL if a temporary illness or medical condition prevents the student from being able to pursue a full course of study. There is no specific request form required for medical RCL. The process is outlined below: For most students, the process for requesting a medical RCL occurs in three steps: 1. Consult with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to request a recommendation for RCL. 2. If ODS recommends the RCL, they will notify OIPS. 3. Follow the instructions provided by ODS to contact OIPS. They will provide you with contact information for the OIPS staff that can further assist you. Do not submit any documents to OIPS by email. You will be provided instructions on how to submit your documentation. 4. After OIPS reviews and approves your medical documents, you will receive a new I-20 with the authorization for the RCL on page 2. The I-20 is the official approval of the RCL. If your need for the RCL is based on pregnancy: 1. Request a letter from your obstetrician, including your expected delivery date and the recommendation for the Reduced Course Load. 2. Schedule a meeting with the OIPS Executive Director by calling 703-993-2970. Do not submit any documents to OIPS by email. You will be provided instructions on how to submit your documentation. 3. After the Executive Director reviews and approves the letter, you will receive a new I-20 with the authorization for the RCL on page 2. The I-20 is the official approval of the RCL. | 2-3 weeks |
| Reduced Course Load (RCL) for Last Semester | F-1 | A student must apply for RCL in his/her final term if fewer courses (i.e. less than full-time) are needed and required to complete the course of study. 1. review the Graduation Process web page 2. follow the 3-step instructions posted on the graduation process web page. You will need to run your degree evaluation, apply to graduate, and complete an exit survey. If you are a law student, you should not complete the graduation process through Patriot Web. Law students should complete a paper application in the Law School’s Records Office. 3. complete the OIPS Request for RCL Authorization form Note 1: The graduation process can take longer if there are outstanding issues with your academic record. Do not wait until the last minute to start the graduation process. Note 2: Make sure you do not miss the graduation application deadline! | 7-10 business days |
| Reduced Course Load (RCL) | J-1 student | J-1 students are expected to register for and complete a full course load each semester; 9 credits for graduate students, 12 credits for undergraduate students. Students with academic or medical issues may receive permission for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) with proper documentation. 1. review the 2. download, print and complete the Request for J-1 RCL Authorization Form 3. academic reason(s): ask your academic advisor to write a statement on the form, providing an explanation. China 121 students and Global Exchange Students will need to have an advisor in their office sign the form before submitting to OIPS. 4. medical reason(s): Attach a signed written statement on letterhead from a physician or licensed psychologist requiring or recommending an interruption or reduction in studies due to an illness or medical condition. No other GMU office signature is needed on the form, but you should seek academic advising as needed. 5. Submit required documents securely using the J-1 Dynamic Form BEFORE the first day of classes 6. If approved, your J-1 advisor will return a signed copy of the RCL form to you for your records. Please note that receiving permission from OIPS for a reduced course load is only for maintaining your J-1 status and a reduction in credit hours may have other implications beyond your J-1 status. | 7-10 business days |
| Reinstatement I-20 (OIPS) + Reinstatement Application Approval (USCIS) | F-1 | International students who have lost their immigration status may request an I-20 to apply for a reinstatement to student status within 5 months of their program termination or completion. After receiving the I-20 from OIPS, students should consult with an immigration attorney to file the reinstatement application to USCIS. 1. Read the web page "Reinstatement to F-1" 2. Schedule a 30-minute appointment with an OIPS advisor 3. Gather required documents for a Reinstatement I-20. 4. Submit Reinstatement I-20 request in OIPS Submission Form 5. Work with an immigration attorney to complete USCIS form I-539 and gather required documents for USCIS Note: The application process can take several months. Consult with your immigration attorney and USCIS regarding your application timeline. No employment is allowed until reinstatement has been approved by USCIS. | 3-4 weeks + 4-6 months |
| Remove Patriot Web Account Hold (Banner) - OIPS Check-in | F-1/J-1 | A hold will be placed on the accounts of students who fail to check in with OIPS 1. gather your passport and I-20 or DS-2019 2. complete international student check in 3. email oipsregs@gmu.edu to request the hold to be removed | 1-3 business days |
| Renewal of OPT/STEM OPT Recommendation | F-1 | F-1 students can request a new OPT or STEM OPT I-20 recommendation if they fail to submit their current OPT or STEM OPT I-20 within 30 days (OPT) or 60 days (STEM OPT) of the I-20 issue date. 1. complete the online Renewal OPT/STEM OPT Recommendation I-20 Request Form *do not use this for if this is your initial OPT/STEM OPT I-20 request. | 7-10 business days |
| Request to mail I-20 or DS-2019 | F-1/J-1 | After you have requested an I-20 or DS-2019 from OIPS, you will need to notify OIPS about your preferred shipping options. There are two different options: 1. request to have your documents sent to a U.S. address through the United States Postal Service (USPS) at no charge 2. prepay to have your documents mailed abroad via the eShip Global express courier service. If you are new to eShip Global and you plan to use the service, we recommend you first watch the eShip Global tutorial. Click here for more information. Note: You can also authorize a friend or family member to pick up your document in OIPS. | 1-3 business days |
| Return from Leave of Absence - | F-1 | Students who took a leave of absence and who will resume their studies at Mason are required to complete the "Return from Temporary Leave of Absence” form and submit supporting documentation. An OIPS staff member will then review the request and determine whether or not the student is eligible for a Reactivation of their current SEVIS record or if the student will need a new Initial I-20. STEP 1: Complete the OIPS Return from Temporary Leave of Absence Form. STEP 2: Upload the required documents: For an initial I-20: | 7-10 business days |
| Rules, Rules, Rules! Workshop Log-in Instructions | F-1/J-1 | New F-1, Change of Level F-1 students, Change of Status to F-1 students and new J-1 students are required to complete the online workshop "Rules, Rules, Rules!" (launch date: third week of the Fall or Spring semester). A hold will be put on the account of students who fail to complete the module by the deadline. Students who have a hold on their account will be unable to register for classes for the next semester and/or request a transcript from the University Registrar. 1. go to http://mymason.gmu.edu (Blackboard) 2. click on the link "Courses" in the top menu 3. click on the link "International Student Launchpad" | 1-3 business days |
| Selective Withdrawal | F-1 | F-1 students need permission from the Registrar Office and OIPS to withdraw from classes 1. pick up Selective Withdrawal form in Registrar's Office 2. complete student section 3. Submit the form to the OIPS Submissions Form | 7-10 Business Days |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | F-1/J-1 | F-1 and J-1 students with a job offer are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). 1. Review the SSN web page 2. Gather required documents 3. Apply for a SSN | 3-4 weeks |
| Special Registration Signature | F-1 | For students not enrolled in a credit-bearing course but whose academic department certifies that they are pursuing an activity related to their Mason enrolled program can retain active status by registering for Special Registration (ZREG 200). 1. Download and complete Special Registration to Retain Active Status (ZREG 200) 2. Submit the form to the OIPS Submissions Form | 7-10 Business Days |
| STEM OPT I-20 + STEM OPT Application Approval (USCIS) | F-1 | STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training for students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) 1. review the eligibility requirements 2. complete the USCIS Form I-983 (instructions: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/form-i-983-overview) 3. complete the STEM OPT I-20 Request form 4. USCIS Form I-983 5. attach Request for Evidence (if applicable) 6. submit your request online or drop it off in OIPS Note: USCIS approves the application. The application process can take up to four months. Important update: USCIS has recently updated their I-765 Employment Authorization form and instructions. Make sure that the I-765 form that you submit to USCIS has an edition date of 5/31/2018. The latest form is on the USCIS website. Do NOT use the previous 7/17/17 edition or an older version of the form. USCIS states that they will accept the previous version of the I-765 form (7/17/17 edition) until September 16, 2018. However, since OPT processing times can take 3 months or longer, even if you submit your OPT application today, USCIS might not review it until after September 16, 2018. If USCIS starts reviewing your employment application on September 17, 2018, and see that you have submitted the an older version of the I-765 form, your OPT might be denied. | 7-10 business days + 2-3 months |
| STEM OPT Training Plan Evaluation | F-1 | F-1 students on STEM OPT are required to submit a Training Plan Evaluation at or before 12 months and 24 months from start date on EAD card to OIPS. 1. download the USCIS Form I-983 2. review the I-983 instructions (https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/form-i-983-overview) 3. complete the OPT/STEM OPT Employment Update Form 4. OIPS will attach the training plan to the student's file | 7-10 Business Days |
| Training Plan for STEM OPT Students Sample | F-1 | STEM OPT Students are required to complete and submit the form I-983 when they apply for STEM Extension and submit evaluations at 12 months and 24 months from start date on EAD card Link: Training Plan for STEM OPT Students Sample | Automatic |
| Transcript | All Mason Students | A George Mason University official transcript is a complete record of a student’s enrollment at Mason. An official transcript will not be issued unless all financial obligations to the University have been satisfied. Official transcripts will not be faxed. They can only be picked up or mailed. 1. order you transcript through the website of the Office of the University Registrar | Check the Office of the University Registrar for processing times. |
| Transfer In for F-1 Students | F-1 | Students who transfer to George Mason University must request their F-1 SEVIS record to be transferred. 1. review the Transfer Procedures 2. download and complete the F-1 Student Transfer In form 3. notify the school you are currently attending of your intent to transfer to George Mason University 4. gather required documents (copy of passport identification pages, copy of visa, copy of I-94, copies of all I-20s issued by previous school and GMU Admission Letter) 5. follow instructions on the F-1 Transfer In Form to submit the form and required documents 6. Complete F1 Check-in online at https://oips.gmu.edu/international-student-check-in-form/ after you receive your Transfer Pending I-20. This is an important step required to activate your F1 SEVIS status and keep your F-1 status valid. A hold will be placed on your account if you do not complete check-in | 7-10 business days |
| Transfer In for J-1 Exchange Visitors | J-1 Exchange Visitor | J-1 Exchange visitors who transfer to George Mason University must request their J-1 SEVIS record to be transferred. 1. download, print and complete the J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfer In form | 7-10 business days |
| Transfer Out for F-1 Students | F-1 | Students who transfer from George Mason University to another US institution must request OIPS to release their F-1 record to the new school within 60 days of completing their degree or Optional Practical Training. 1. review the Transfer Out Eligibility Requirements 2. download and complete the F-1 Transfer Out form 3. attach the following documents HERE •GMU Transfer-out Form •Admission Letter •Transfer-in Form from your New School | 7-10 business days |
| Transfer Out for J-1 Exchange Visitors | J-1 Exchange Visitor | J-1 Exchange visitors who transfer from George Mason University to another US institution must request their J-1 SEVIS record to be transferred. 1. download, print and complete the J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfer Out form | 7-10 business days |
| Travel Signature | F-1/J-1 | F-1 and J-1 students need a signature to re-enter the US. Due to COVID-19, OIPS is issuing electronic travel signatures at this time. 1. Read "Travel and Re-entry". 2. For F-1 students: complete the I-20 Reprint Request form (above) to reprint your current I-20 with a new travel signature and receive by email. For J-1 students: contact Christine Bodziak at cbodziak@gmu.edu to reprint your DS-2019 with a new travel signature and receive by email. 3. After you receive your digital I-20 or DS-2019, print the document and sign with ink. | 7-10 Business Days |
| Verification of Status | F-1 | A "Verification of Status" letter states your name, I-20 program completion date or OPT end date. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) frequently requests this letter when applying for a driver license. 1. complete the online Verification of Status Letter request form | 7-10 business days |
| Withdrawal | F-1 | Students who plan to take a leave of absence MUST complete the OIPS withdrawal form BEFORE they drop classes and leave the United States. 1. Complete the OIPS Withdrawal form 2. Submit form to oipsregs@gmu.edu | 7-10 business days |