What is Academic Dismissal?
An academic dismissal is when a student is not maintaining good academic standing according to the policies of their college/school. It may also be called an “academic suspension” or “academic drop”.
Students who have been academically dismissed are no longer eligible to enroll, which prevents them from maintaining F-1 status at UW–Madison. As a result, action must be taken on the student’s SEVIS I-20 record.
Each college/school has different criteria for when a student may be academically dropped. Please refer to your college/school for the specific criteria.
Each college/school has a different process for students who are academically dropped. If you are “dropped” from your academic program you will receive communication directly from your Academic Dean’s Office or college/school. They will also notify ISS of their decision. Please check with your academic advisor or graduate coordinator for more information about:
- Any appeals process
- Readmission requirements
Upon notification of an academic drop by the Academic Dean’s Office or college/school, ISS will email you with information about how this impacts your immigration status. This includes:
- Any appeal deadlines
- Deadline to transfer your SEVIS I-20 record, or
- Deadline to depart the U.S.
If you learn that you have been dropped from your program, but have not received communication from ISS about the impact to your visa status, please contact ISS immediately.
Refer to instructions from your college/school regarding readmission procedures. You must be readmitted to UW–Madison before ISS can issue you a new I-20.
Please refer to the ISS Return from Leave of Absence website for information about how to obtain an I-20 to return to UW–Madison and continue your studies in F-1 status.