<p>are international students on F1 status allowed to take a semester break and stay in the US during the entire course of the break at least for a month? if not, then how many days before the next semester can we get back to the US? </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>You would have to leave the country within 15 days after the end of the semester you attended. I <em>guess</em> that you would be allowed to re-enter on your student visa 30 days before the beginning of the next semester you will attend, just like F-1 students who enter the States for the first time. Btw, you would also need a new I-20 because your first one becomes invalid once you have been outside the country for more than 5 months.</p>
<p>Leave</a> of Absence, Suspension or Withdrawal by F-1 Students</p>
<p>If you want to be in the country during your "vacation semester", you would have to get a separate visa depending on the purpose of your visit.</p>
<p>thanks a lot b@r!um.</p>