Can I re-enter with my F-1 less than 30 days before my program ends?

Hi!

I bought my plane ticket to go back home for the holidays (Spain). My program ends on Feb 11th and my return date is Jan 11th.

I went to applay today for a leave of absence but the advisor told me she strongly recommend NOT to go because there is a minimum of 45 days prior to the end of a program. If I try to come back to the country with less than that I would be sent back.

I have searched on google and on the sevis site and haven’t found anything about this. Is this true?

I would be gone for 3 weeks and I am on an extension of a 6 month program. I got the I-20 signed anyway, but I am not sure if I Can risk it and the flight was expensive and cannot be returned. Plus, an important member of my family is very sick and may not make it till I come back in Feb-March

Please help

You have paid fees for the program and attended school regularly. You have therefore the right to visit your home country when you wish and the right to completion of your program here. Take a letter from school DSO that you are in good standing with the program and school. This helps with reentry.

Best wishes

Dr. Sandeep Shankar, Colorado Heights University, www.chu.edu