Why International Students Must Get ISSS Approval Before Leave, Reinstatement, Major Change, Reduced Course Load, or OPT in the USA

For international students in the United States, maintaining compliance with immigration regulations is not just about staying in class and earning good grades—it’s a complex process that involves constant communication with your school’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office. Whether you need to take a leave of absence, request reinstatement, change your major, apply for a reduced course load, or pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT), obtaining prior approval from ISSS is absolutely essential.

This in-depth guide explains why ISSS approval is mandatory, what could go wrong if you skip this step, the roles of DSOs (Designated School Officials), and the specific documentation you’ll need—including medical certificates. We’ll also share authoritative .gov resources and show you how to obtain the right support for your immigration and academic journey.

Table of Contents

1. The Role of ISSS and DSOs: Your Compliance Lifeline
2. Why Approval Matters: Legal and Academic Risks
3. Key Scenarios Requiring ISSS Approval
   • Leave of Absence
   • Reinstatement
   • Major Change
   • Reduced Course Load (RCL)
   • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
4. Official U.S. Government Guidance for International Students (.gov)
5. What Happens If You Skip ISSS Approval?
6. Step-by-Step: How to Get ISSS Approval
7. Essential Documentation: Medical Certificates and More
8. The Hassle of Offline Medical Documentation—and a Better Solution
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Why Choose Havellum for Medical Documentation?
11. Conclusion & Resources

1. The Role of ISSS and DSOs: Your Compliance Lifeline

Every U.S. university that enrolls international students must have an International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office, staffed by professionals called Designated School Officials (DSOs). DSOs are authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to:

• Advise you on immigration rules and regulations
• Maintain your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record
• Issue and endorse your Form I-20 (for F-1 students)
• Report changes to your academic or immigration status to the U.S. government

Your DSO is the “gatekeeper” of your legal status in the USA.
Every major academic or personal change must be reported and approved by ISSS/DSO before you act.

2. Why Approval Matters: Legal and Academic Risks

Failing to obtain ISSS approval before making changes can result in:

• Loss of F-1/J-1 status
• SEVIS termination (making you unlawfully present)
• Ineligibility for reinstatement or OPT
• Visa cancellation or denial of future U.S. entry
• Academic delays or inability to re-enroll

Your legal stay in the U.S. depends on strict compliance with immigration regulations and university policies.

3. Key Scenarios Requiring ISSS Approval

A. Leave of Absence

If illness, family emergency, or other circumstances require you to take a break, you must obtain approval before dropping below full-time enrollment or leaving the U.S.

• Medical leave requires a doctor’s note or medical certificate.
• Your DSO will update SEVIS to reflect your approved absence.

See Maintaining Status – DHS for official guidance.

B. Reinstatement

If you fall out of status (e.g., by not maintaining full-time enrollment), you cannot just resume classes. You must apply for reinstatement with ISSS and USCIS.

• Requires proof of eligibility, explanation of circumstances, and supporting documentation.

See USCIS: Reinstatement for Students for requirements.

C. Major Change

Changing your field of study or degree level? Your DSO must update your I-20 and SEVIS record before you start the new program.

• Unauthorized change can jeopardize your status and future visa applications.

D. Reduced Course Load (RCL)

You may qualify for a temporary reduced course load for medical, academic, or final semester reasons.
Medical RCL always requires a valid medical certificate and DSO approval.

See ICE: SEVIS Guidance for Students and DSOs for details.

E. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

To apply for OPT, you need an updated I-20 with DSO recommendation and ISSS approval.
Applying without DSO endorsement will result in denial.

See USCIS: F-1 Students – OPT for official guidance.

4. Official U.S. Government Guidance for International Students (.gov)

Here are three essential .gov resources outlining the rules and DSO/ISSS roles:

1. Study in the States (DHS):
   Maintaining Status
   Explains full-time enrollment, leave, and DSO authority.

2. ICE: SEVIS Guidance for Students and DSOs:
   SEVIS Guidance: Students and DSOs
   Details status maintenance, reinstatement, and RCL processes.

3. USCIS: F-1 Students (OPT, Reinstatement):
   F-1 Students | USCIS
   Official rules for employment, reinstatement, and DSO endorsements.

5. What Happens If You Skip ISSS Approval?

If you make any major change without ISSS/DSO approval:

• SEVIS Termination: Your record is closed, and you become unlawfully present.
• Loss of Work Authorization: You cannot work on or off campus, or apply for OPT/CPT.
• Barred from Reinstatement: You may be ineligible to return to status or finish your degree.
• Visa Issues: Future visa applications or re-entry to the U.S. may be denied.

You cannot “fix” status violations retroactively—prevention is the only solution.

6. Step-by-Step: How to Get ISSS Approval

1. Consult Early

• Contact ISSS or your DSO as soon as you anticipate a need for leave, course reduction, or other changes.

2. Gather Documentation

• For medical leave or RCL: obtain a valid medical certificate (see How to Obtain a Legitimate, Verifiable Medical Certificate in the USA)
• For reinstatement: prepare explanations, academic records, and supporting evidence.

3. Submit Application

• Complete your school’s official request forms and attach all required supporting materials.

4. DSO/ISSS Review

• Your DSO will review your request, update SEVIS, and issue new I-20/DS-2019 as needed.

5. Follow Government and School Guidance

• Do not make changes until you have written approval.

For more on medical RCL and leave, see Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Certificates in the United States and Maintaining Status – DHS.

7. Essential Documentation: Medical Certificates and More

The most common and critical document for leave or reduced course load is a medical certificate (doctor’s note):

• Must be from a U.S.-licensed provider or reputable telehealth service
• Should include your name, diagnosis (as appropriate), dates of leave, and provider details
• Required for DSO/ISSS approval and SEVIS updates

Other documentation may include:

• Letters of explanation (for reinstatement or major change)
• Academic records or advisor recommendations
• Proof of emergency (for urgent leave)

For a step-by-step guide to mental health leave documentation, see How to Apply for Mental Health Leave and Obtain Required Documentation Under FMLA, ADA, and US Law.

8. The Hassle of Offline Medical Documentation—and a Better Solution

Why Traditional Clinics Are a Challenge

• Hard to book: Appointments can take weeks, especially for mental health.
• Expensive: Costs can run $200–$500+ per visit, often not covered by student insurance.
• Uncertain outcome: Doctors may refuse to issue documentation for non-severe illnesses or mental health.
• Language/cultural barriers: Communication challenges may delay or derail your application.

The Modern Solution: Havellum

• 100% online—no travel or waiting
• U.S.-licensed physicians issue documentation recognized by universities and U.S. authorities
• Fast turnaround—often same-day
• Affordable pricing
• Certificates accepted by DSOs and ISSS offices across the country

For more, see Havellum Services.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I take leave for mental health reasons?
A: Yes! U.S. regulations allow medical RCL or leave for documented physical or mental health conditions. Proper documentation and ISSS approval are required. See Maintaining Status – DHS.

Q: What if my doctor refuses to issue a certificate?
A: You can use a reputable online provider like Havellum, which specializes in compliant and accepted documentation.

Q: Can I change my major without DSO approval?
A: No. Your DSO must update your SEVIS record and issue a new I-20 before you start your new major.

Q: What happens if I drop below full-time without ISSS approval?
A: Your SEVIS record will be terminated, and you will lose legal status. Always get approval first.

10. Why Choose Havellum for Medical Documentation?

• Offline clinics are a hassle: Appointments are hard to get, and costs are high.
• Doctors may not issue the right paperwork: Especially for mental health, stress, or minor illnesses.
• Language barriers and delays: Can lead to missed deadlines and status violations.

Havellum solves these problems:

• 100% online, confidential, and fast
• Documents issued by U.S.-licensed doctors
• Accepted by ISSS, DSOs, and government agencies
• Affordable and convenient

Don’t risk your status, your degree, or your future—choose Havellum for all your medical certificate needs.

11. Conclusion & Resources

Every major academic or personal change as an international student in the USA requires prior ISSS/DSO approval.
Skipping this step can have life-changing consequences, including the loss of your visa status and academic progress. Always communicate with your ISSS team, follow official procedures, and get the right documentation.

Key Government Resources

• Maintaining Status – DHS
• SEVIS Guidance: Students and DSOs
• F-1 Students | USCIS

Related Havellum Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Certificates in the United States
• How to Obtain a Legitimate, Verifiable Medical Certificate in the USA
• How to Apply for Mental Health Leave and Obtain Required Documentation Under FMLA, ADA, and US Law
• Havellum Services

Need a doctor’s note or medical certificate for ISSS approval?
Visit Havellum now and get your documentation from the most professional, reliable provider for international students in the USA.

Havellum—your trusted partner for medical certificates and leave documentation.