
Quoting
Validity of Student Visa During a Break in Studies
An individual admitted in F-1 or M-1 status to study in the United States who is transferring between schools or programs is no longer regarded to be in student status if classes are not resumed within five months of the date of transferring out of the previous school or within five months of the date of program completion, whichever is applicable. No formal finding of loss of status needs to be made. In order for that student to restore lawful status, he or she must apply for reinstatement of student status with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).