A leave of absence is for a semester. It is filed with the office of the registrar, generally two weeks or more before the semester begins. This deadline is to avoid any financial aid being disbursed to you before going on leave, which you otherwise would be responsible for returning.

The LOA form is completed by the student, signed by the EO, and submitted to the office of the Registrar.
Forms: https://www.gc.cuny.edu/registrar/forms

When on leave, a student may defer a fellowship once, for either one semester or two consecutive semesters. 
Contact Financial Aid about deferment.

Deferral policy:
https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2021-12/Fellowship-deferral-policy.pdf

While on leave, a student is active (not discontinued) but not matriculating. Non-matriculating students are not eligible for university student funding and federal student aid, nor student benefits, but may apply for COBRA to pay out of pocket to continue NYSHIP coverage while on leave, or explore the NYS Health Plan Marketplace.

If taking a leave, it is recommended to submit a NYSHIP termination form immediately after submitting the LOA and fellowship deferment forms in order to receive the option to continue with COBRA right away (rather than waiting for CUNYfirst to do things automatically).
NYSHIP Termination form (it has an option for leave):
https://www.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media-assets/NYSHIP-Termination-form-1.pdf

You can also reach out to [email protected] if you have any NYSHIP and COBRA questions.

If an international student needs to take a medical leave, you may remain in the US (likely) in F1 status during the leave while you seek treatment for your medical issue in the US. You will need to submit a letter to the Office of International Students from your doctor–either a physician (M.D.), doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) or a licensed clinical psychologist–that explains they are treating you and their recommendation of a leave of absence due to medical circumstances for a specific semester or academic year.

Please reach out to [email protected] for up-to-date information.

Consult the most current Student Handbook for the policies regarding leaves of absence.
https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2025-12/StudentHandbook_2025-26_FINAL_v3.pdf#page=60