Help - Is this allowed?

[daj3337]

I was admitted to the PhD program of my dreams but due to some personal reasons I had to defer for a year. Now I not sure I even can attend the program I was admitted to next year due to new geographical restrictions. Am I allowed to re-apply to other programs while on a deferment? Is this career/reputation death? Do I let my current advisor who approved my deferment know? Will I loose my spot at the program I deferred from? Are my changes of getting into another program lower because of this decision? Any advice or experience with this is much appreciated!

[AP]

If you already know you won't be able to attend, contact your POI and CC the DGS explaining the situation (without giving too many details) and thanking them for the opportunity (and hoping to collaborate in the future). Then, you need to officially withdraw so that they can admit other students.