Take a Semester Off - University of Houston
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Language and Culture Center

Take A Semester Off

In order to lawfully remain in the United States, F-1 students of the Language and Culture Center are required to study every semester, including the full summer semester (May through August). Certain F-1 students may be eligible for an annual vacation, which allows the students to take the summer off lawfully and remain in the United States.

Eligibility

You may take a semester off and stay in the United States if you request an annual vacation and the request is approved by the Director. To qualify for an annual vacation, you must meet the following conditions:

  • You are not a Level 6 student.
  • You request to take the annual vacation during the summer semester (summer is the only semester available for annual vacation).
  • You have successfully completed both the fall semester (September through December) and the spring semester (January through April) preceding the annual vacation.
  • You will enroll in the LCC in the fall semester (September through December) following the annual vacation.

Request an Annual Vacation

To request an annual vacation, log into your myLCC account and click Request Annual Vacation. The Director will inform you by email if your request is approved.

Please be advised that your request will not be approved under any of the following circumstances:

  • You requested to take an annual vacation in the fall or the spring semester.
  • You did not progress to the next level at the end of the spring semester.
  • You are transferring to a new school or program.
  • You are a Level 6 student.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • May I take an annual vacation during the fall or the spring semester and stay in the United States?

    No, you may take an Annual Vacation only in the summer semester. If you do not study full time in both the fall and the spring semesters, your F-1 record will be terminated and you will be out of status. 

  • Do I have to request an annual vacation if I do not plan to stay in the United States?

    No, you do not need to request an annual vacation if you will not remain in the United States during the summer semester. However, your F-1 status will be terminated and you must depart the United States within 15 days of your last day of attendance in the LCC. 

    Please email the Director at lcc@uh.edu and include the following in your email:

    • full name
    • myUH ID number
    • flight itinerary issued by the airline
    • a statement that you will not return to the LCC for the summer semester

  • During the annual vacation, will I have access to on-campus services, such as the gym and the library?

    No, you will not have access to any services on campus. 

  • During the annual vacation, may I transfer to a new school?

    No, if you will not enroll in the LCC during the fall semester, your F-1 status will be terminated and you must depart the United States immediately. You will have to use the Form I-20 issued by the new school to re-enter the United States. 

  • During the annual vacation, will I be covered by the Student Health Insurance Plan?

    No. Please email the Director at lcc@uh.edu regarding your options.

  • After the annual vacation, in which level will I study?

    You will be required to attend the LCC Student Check-In and take all placement tests. The placement test result will determine your level of study.