Submit a Deferral Request Form

• Sign in to the account you used to apply to USU at applynow.usu.edu.
• If you cannot remember your password click the "Forgot Password" link. If you forgot what email you used when you applied, our service desk can help you out after you complete this online password reset form.
• After you log in, click "continue" under the actions column next to the application you wish to defer. When the next page loads, if it is not already selected, click "application," then click "request deferral."
• See the video on this page for a step-by-step view.

Check the Email Connected to your Application Account

Deferment requests take 7-10 business days to process, depending on the time of year. You may need to provide documentation for the reason you are leaving. International Undergraduate Admissions will ask for this using the email you used to apply, so make sure to check it often for updates. You can check the status of your deferral on the "My Account" page of your application account.

Create your USU Strong Password 

If you have not already, create your USU strong password and "challenge questions" so you can retrieve an expired password if needed when you return. Your USU password will allow you to log in to systems such as MyUSU, where you can access many of the USU apps and services, and MyID, where you can manage your personal information.

Pay the Enrollment Deposit (now or for your deferment semester)

You have the option to pay the nonrefundable Enrollment Deposit (step 2) now, which will streamline your enrollment in the future. Otherwise, you can pay it prior to your first semester. Remember that the enrollment deposit must be paid in order for you to receive your Form I-20 or reserve USU housing.

Create a Delegate and Security Phrase

If needed, set up a delegate who has access to your preferred and recovery emails. We recommend you manage your own student account when possible, but understand there are cases where it is necessary for a parent, spouse, or other third-party to access information or complete transactions on your behalf. You can add delegates at myid.usu.edu. Sign-in and then click "Delegates" on the left menu. You can also create a security phrase, which allows you to verify your own identity if you need to conduct business with USU over the phone.

Drop Courses

You will need to drop your courses if you registered before completing your deferment. If you have already paid your tuition, you will receive a refund according to the deadlines in the catalog. 

Know which Email to Check

If you registered and dropped classes prior to submitting your deferment, or if you took concurrent enrollment courses through USU in the past 3 years, you were assigned a USU email account in the format of A-number@usu.edu (ex. A01234567@usu.edu). All official communication from the university will go to this account, so you need to check it or make sure your delegate can check it, especially in the months prior to your first semester. More information is available at it.usu.edu/studentemail. If you do not have a USU email account yet, you should regularly check the email set as "preferred" in your MyID account.

Set Reminders

• Students can sign an on-campus housing contract and begin orientation after confirming their attendance by paying the Enrollment Deposit. On-campus housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis and spaces are not guaranteed.
• The priority deadline to pay the Enrollment Deposit and begin orientation is April 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for spring semester.
• Registration for classes begins in April for the fall semester, and November for spring semester.
• Remember to write down your student ID (A-number), strong password, challenge question answers, security phrase, and the semester you said you plan to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to complete orientation before I defer?

You do not need to complete orientation now because you will complete it (or redo it) before your first semester. A delegate can complete orientation modules 1 and 2 for you in the future if needed.

Is there a deadline to defer?

Deferrals are due no later than the last week of classes of the semester for which you were initially admitted. 

How/can I extend my deferral?

Submit a new deferral request by following the deferral instructions. These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In the free text reasoning box within the deferral request process, please state why you are wanting to extend your deferment.

How/can I shorten my deferral?

Email usuintl@usu.edu stating that you want to shorten your deferment. Please include your A-number and which semester you would like to come back.

What if I am a graduate student?

Graduate students file a notification of leave via a different process, and follow different policies than undergraduate students. For more information go to https://gradschool.usu.edu/leave-absence-continuous-registration/.

If you have any questions about deferment, please feel free to contact us at usuintl@usu.edu.