Get answers to the top 5 most-asked immigration questions on Reddit for the week of March 24, 2025:
This week, we’re tackling the following questions:
- What happens if I take a leave of absence on my F-1 visa?
- What happens when individuals age out of their parents’ immigration petitions?
- Does the Visa Bulletin apply to IR1/IR2 categories? How does the process differ for U.S. citizens petitioning for spouses or children?
- How can DACA recipients receive healthcare?
- Do you need to renew or update your Social Security card after receiving a green card?
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Disclaimer: While Boundless is authorized to own and operate our law firm, this response is coming from our research team, not our attorneys. The information we provide on this page is not legal advice.
#1: What happens if I take a leave of absence on my F-1 visa?
If you’re an F-1 student and need to take a leave of absence — for example, because of a personal or medical emergency — it’s a good idea to talk to your Designated School Official (DSO) before making any decisions. They can guide you on your options and help keep your status safe.
In most cases, F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment to stay in status. If you stop studying without approval, your SEVIS record may be terminated, and you could lose your legal status in the U.S.
However, you may have options:
- Medical Leave: If your leave is for a medical reason, your DSO may approve a reduced course load for up to 12 months total. In this case, you may stay in the U.S. during your treatment and recovery, but you’ll need a doctor’s letter and DSO approval.
- Authorized Early Withdrawal: If you wish to take a leave of absence longer than 5 months, your DSO may approve your leave as an “authorized early withdrawal.” When you’re ready to return to the U.S. to resume your studies, you must obtain a new Form I-20 (issued by your school), pay the SEVIS fee again, and apply for a new visa if your old one expired.
That said, future immigration policies under the new Trump administration remain uncertain, and potential stricter rules could make it harder for foreign students to get a new visa or re-enter the U.S. after a leave of absence.
#2: What happens when individuals age out of their parents’ immigration petitions?
When individuals age out of their parents’ immigration petitions by turning 21 before they receive their green card, they lose eligibility as “children” under U.S. immigration law and must apply to a new visa category to maintain legal status. However, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may help by “freezing” their age in time under certain conditions, potentially preserving their eligibility. If CSPA protections don’t apply, parents may need to file a new petition for their adult child’s appropriate visa category, such as F-1 or F-2B. Alternatively, the individual can explore other immigration pathways such as those through employment or marriage.
#3: Does the Visa Bulletin apply to IR1/IR2 categories? How does the process differ for U.S. citizens petitioning for spouses or children?
No, the Visa Bulletin does not apply to Immediate Relative categories like IR1 (spouse) or IR2 (child under 21) of U.S. citizens. These categories are not subject to annual numerical limits, meaning there is no wait time for priority dates (visas are available immediately once the I-130 is approved and the case is processed).
This process generally moves faster than family preference categories (e.g., F2A, F3), which do rely on the Visa Bulletin. However, processing times still vary depending on case complexity, USCIS workloads, consulate/embassy scheduling, and other factors.
#4: How can DACA recipients receive healthcare?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are not eligible for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid in most states. In addition, the Trump administration recently proposed a new rule that would block health insurance access for DACA recipients, claiming that they don’t meet the “lawfully present” standard set by Congress. However, they currently still have healthcare options:
- Employer-Sponsored Insurance: If employed, DACA recipients can access insurance through their job.
- State Programs: Some states (like California and New York) offer Medicaid or state-based health plans regardless of immigration status.
- Community Health Clinics: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) offer low-cost or sliding-scale care.
- Private Insurance: DACA recipients can purchase private insurance directly from providers, though it can be expensive.
Healthcare access for DACA recipients varies by location, so check your state’s policies for immigrant health coverage.
#5: Do you need to renew or update your Social Security card after receiving a green card?
While it is not mandatory to update your Social Security card after receiving a green card, it is recommended to ensure your records reflect your updated immigration status. To update your card, visit a Social Security Administration office with your green card and other identification documents. The process does not change your Social Security Number. Your new card will no longer say “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION” or “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT.”
This update helps when applying for jobs, benefits, or credit, and ensures your records match across federal systems.
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