As an international student in the United States, taking a leave of absence from university for more than five months can have significant implications on your visa status. Depending on your individual circumstances and the type of visa you hold, you may need to apply for a new visa or reapply for your current visa in order to return to the United States.

The first step is to determine what type of visa you hold. If you are on an F-1 visa, you are eligible for a leave of absence for up to five months without needing to take any action. However, if you plan to be away for longer than five months, you will need to apply for a new visa in order to return to the United States.

It is important to note that any time spent outside of the United States during your leave of absence will count towards the maximum allowed time on your visa. This means that if you take a leave of absence for six months, you will only have six months left on your visa when you return to the United States.

If you are on a J-1 visa, the rules are slightly different. You are allowed to take a leave of absence for up to six months without needing to take any action. However, if you plan to be away for longer than six months, you will need to apply for a new visa in order to return to the United States.

Regardless of your visa type, it is important to communicate your plans with your designated school official (DSO) or exchange program sponsor. They can provide guidance on the specific requirements and procedures for your situation.

When applying for a new visa, you will need to provide documentation to show that you are still a bona fide student and that you have the financial resources to support yourself during your stay in the United States. This may include proof of enrollment, transcripts, and bank statements.

In summary, if you plan to take a leave of absence from university for more than five or six months as an international student in the United States, you may need to apply for a new visa in order to return. It is important to communicate your plans with your DSO or exchange program sponsor and to provide the necessary documentation when applying for a new visa.