Reinstatement

The information here is for students who have fallen out of F-1 status.

VIOLATION OF STATUS OPTIONS

F-1 students who fall out of status have two options to attempt to regain valid F-1 status. Students who have violated status should make an appointment to discuss their options with an Immigration Advisor by clicking the "Schedule an Appointment" button below.

Students who prefer to travel and re-enter with a new initial I-20 should submit the "New I-20 Request" form, located on the Current F-1 Student page by clicking the button below.

Students requesting reinstatement within the U.S. should follow the instructions below.

Schedule an Appointment Now! Current F-1 Students

Reinstatement Instructions

To begin the process of reinstatement, turn in the following documents to the Office of International Education.   

  1. USCIS form: I-539.
  2. Reinstatement Form (see "Reinstatement Form" button below)
  3. A letter written by the student to USCIS requesting reinstatement and detailing the reasons why the student is out of status. The circumstances must have been beyond the student's control. The student must state in the letter that she/he has not worked illegally in the U.S.
  4. USCIS Fee: A money order or check for $470 payable to USCIS for paper filing or $420 for filing online.
  5. Funding: It is necessary to show sufficient funds for one year of F-1 expenses, plus additional dependent expenses (if applicable).
  6. I-94: A copy of the student's I-94 card.
  7. Passport: Copy of identity page, showing the expiration date for the applicant and any dependent(s).
  8. Visa: Copy of visa page for applicant and dependent(s).
  9. Proof that the student intends to be a full-time student, such as proof of registration for a full- course of study.
  10. Official transcripts.
  11. Receipt confirming payment of SEVIS fee if out of status more than 5 months. 

Reinstatement Form

Please allow up to 7 business days for processing. During this time, an International Education Advisor will contact you to set an appointment. At the appointment, you will:

  1. Sign your SEVIS I-20.
  2. Provide any additional documentation requested by the International Education Advisor.
  3. Ask any questions you may have about the Reinstatement process.
  4. Pay the SEVIS fee, if required

After the appointment, the International Education Advisor will mail the Reinstatement application to USCIS for adjudication. Students will be notified when their documents have been returned.