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Returning to Rice After a Leave of Absence

Welcome back! OISS is happy to assist you in returning to Rice after a leave of absence.

 

While returning students will not need to attend I-PREP or Graduate International Orientation (GIO), they are still required to attend a mandatory Immigration Check-in at the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) upon arrival. For Immigration Check-in times, please call OISS at 713-348-6095 or email oiss@rice.edu. Failure to properly check in will result in termination of your immigration status. Please keep in mind that the check-in requirement also applies to students on a visa status other than F-1 or J-1.

 

All returning students will be given the first day of the academic semester as the start date on their new immigration documents. Students on the F-1 or J-1 visa can enter up to 30 days prior to the start date on their immigration documentation, but should not enter after the program start date. If living on-campus, please make sure to contact your College / Housing & Dining for move-in dates.

 

Upon receipt of the required documents outlined below, OISS will begin to process your I-20/DS-2019.

 

Process for obtaining an I-20/DS-2019 to apply for an F-1/J-1 visa

In order to obtain a Form I-20/DS-2019 to apply for an F-1/J-1 visa, you must:

  1. Email OISS (oiss@rice.edu) your letter from Academic Department (graduate students) / Dean of Undergraduate's office (undergraduates) indicating readmission to the university.
  2. OISS will then initiate your OISS Portal account to process your readmission in F-1/J-1 status. The OISS Portal is where you will be able to update OISS with your current address / emergency contact information, as well as upload the required supporting documents needed to process your Form I-20/DS-2019.
  3. Please visit the OISS Portal webpage for steps on what to prepare and how to access your OISS Portal account.

 

Once your I-20/DS-2019 is ready, there are several ways for you to receive your document(s). Please see https://oiss.rice.edu/mailing for more information on your options.

 

We are so excited that you are returning to Rice University! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the process or requirements, as we are here to help you. You may contact us by email at oiss@rice.edu or by phone at 713-348-6095.

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