International Students Immigration Blog

How to Reinstate Your F1 Status: Essential Steps to Follow

by Bole Huang on May 03, 2024

Regain F1 Status

 

Maintaining F-1 status is crucial for international students in the United States. However, unintentional violations can lead to the loss of this status. In such cases, it is vital to act quickly, as there is no grace period for students who fall out of status. To resume F-1 status, students have two options: (1) reinstatement and (2) traveling abroad and reentering the United States. The reinstatement process can be complex, and it is advisable to consult with your International Student Services (ISS) adviser at your university or an immigration expert to enhance the likelihood of approval. 

 

1. Common Reasons for SEVIS Termination

Maintaining F-1 status is crucial for international students studying in the United States. Failing to adhere to the regulations set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can lead to a violation of your F-1 status, resulting in serious consequences such as SEVIS termination, loss of benefits, and potential deportation.

Some common reasons for F-1 status violations include:

❗️Academic Violations

  1. Failing to enroll in classes or maintain a full course of study
  2. Unauthorized withdrawal from classes or dropping below the required course load without prior approval
  3. Expulsion or suspension from the university
  4. Enrolling in too many online or distance learning courses
  5. Failing to complete your degree program within the expected timeframe

❗️Employment Violations

  1. Engaging in unauthorized employment, either on or off-campus
  2. Working without advanced authorization from the Office of International Affairs (OIA) or USCIS
  3. Failing to report Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment
  4. Exceeding the allowed number of unemployment days while on OPT

❗️Administrative Violations

  1. Failing to report your arrival to the university's international student office
  2. Not updating your local residential address as required
  3. Failing to extend your I-20 before the program end date
  4. Not maintaining a valid passport or allowing your I-20 to expire
  5. Violating university policies that result in the loss of eligibility to enroll

If you find yourself in a situation where you may have violated your F-1 status, it is essential to seek guidance from your university's international student services office and consider the options available, such as applying for reinstatement or departing the U.S. and seeking a new admission.

 

2. Eligibility Criteria for Reinstatement

International students must meet specific criteria to be eligible for F1 reinstatement through USCIS. First and foremost, the student must not have been out of status for five months when filing the reinstatement request unless exceptional circumstances prevented them from filing within that time frame.

Additionally, the student must:

  1. Have no record of repeated or intentional violations of USCIS regulations
  2. Be currently pursuing or intending to pursue a full course of study in the immediate future
  3. Not have engaged in unauthorized employment
  4. Not be deportable on any circumstances other than failing to maintain F1 status
Eligible Criteria
Description
Time out of status
Must not exceed 5 months at the time of filing
Violation history
No record of repeated or intentional violations
Current enrollment
Pursuing or intending to pursue a full course of study
Employment
No unauthorized employment
Deportability
No deportable on any ground other than an F1 status violation
Circumstances
Violation resulted from circumstances beyond the student's control

Students who meet the specified circumstances are eligible to apply for F1 Reinstatement beyond the five-month limit: 

  • Serious injury or illness
  • Closure of the educational institution
  • A natural disaster
  • Inadvertence, oversight, or neglect on the part of the Designated School Official (DSO)
F1 Reinstatement

3. Preferred Option: Applying for F1 Reinstatement with USCIS

If you have violated your F-1 status and wish to regain it without leaving the United States, you can apply for reinstatement through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process involves submitting a reinstatement application, which currently costs $470 and typically takes around five months to be processed. It's important to note that if your reinstatement application is denied, you will be required to depart the U.S. immediately.

3.1 - F1 Reinstatement Application Steps

Step 1: Obtain acceptance and a new I-20 form from a SEVP-certified university.

Fill out the form to get free assistance
(get new I-20 as soon as in one day)

Step 2: Submit the following materials to USCIS

  1. Completed Form I-539 and Form I-539A for each co-applicant
  2. Filing fee of $470.00 and a biometrics service fee of $85.00 for every applicant and co-applicant
  3. Detailed, typed letter explaining the violation and how it resulted from circumstances beyond your control
  4. Evidence of financial support
  5. Academic transcript
  6. New Reinstatement I-20 issued by your school's international student office
  7. Copy of SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
  8. Immigration documents, such as previous I-20s, I-94, and passport copy

3.2 - Important Considerations

Employment: Stop CPT/OPT working immediately once you've violated your student status.

Denial: If denied, prepare to leave the U.S., as there is no appeal process.

Consequences: Denial may limit future nonimmigrant visa applications and trigger unlawful presence.
*Please review the notice for the date of departure. Otherwise, the leaving date will be assumed to be the same day.

Timing: File within 5 months of falling out of status, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

3.3 - Reinstatement Application Processing and Outcomes

✅ Application approved

You resume F-1 status and become eligible for all F-1 student benefits.

❌ Application denied

You must depart the U.S. immediately to avoid accruing unlawful presence.

While your reinstatement application is pending, you cannot work on-campus or outside. If your application is approved, your current SEVIS record (I-20) is reinstated, and you immediately become eligible for all F-1 benefits again. However, if your application is denied, it is recommended that you work with a qualified immigration attorney to explore your options, as you will be expected to leave the country promptly to avoid serious consequences.

*If USCIS approves your reinstatement, you will resume active F-1 status. However, you must leave the U.S. immediately if your application is denied. Remaining in the country after denial for over 180 days will result in a three-year bar from returning, while staying for one year or more will lead to a ten-year bar. To avoid these consequences, it's essential to work closely with your ISS adviser and consider seeking the advice of an immigration attorney to improve your chances of a successful reinstatement.

 

4. Backup Plan: Travel and Reentry

For international students who have violated their F-1 status, traveling outside the United States and re-entering with a new I-20 can be an alternative to regaining lawful status. This process involves obtaining a new "Initial Attendance" I-20 from your current or new school's international student office, departing the U.S., applying for a new F-1 visa if necessary, and re-entering the country.

4.1 - Steps for Travel and Reentry

  1. Obtain acceptance from a SEVP-certified university.
  2. Obtain a new "Initial Attendance" I-20 from your school's international student office.
  3. Depart the United States.
  4. Apply for a new F-1 visa if your current visa has expired or will expire before your re-entry.
  5. Re-enter the U.S. using your new I-20 and valid F-1 visa.

4.2 Considerations for Travel and Reentry

Visa Status: If your F-1 visa has expired, you must apply for a new one before returning to the U.S.

Practical Training Eligibility: Students who regain status through travel and reentry are considered "initial status" students, which may affect their eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

SEVIS Record: Travel and reentry will lead to the production of a new SEVIS ID and record.

Comparison: While faster than reinstatement, travel and reentry still may have a higher deny chance than reinstatement.

  • If you want to use Day 1 CPT and enter the US as an initial I-20 student, you may not be authorized for CPT to work at most universities on the first day of your program. However, we have compiled a list of universities that allow you to work on the first day of your I-20. Here is the list that could benefit you:

    • Westcliff University
    • New England College (NEC)
    • Trine University
    • Monroe Colleg
    • Harrisburg University
    • Saint Peter’s University
    • McDaniel College

5. F1 reinstatement costs

Reinstatement Costs

  1. USCIS Form I-539 filing fee: $470
  2. Biometrics service fee: $85 for every applicant and co-applicant
  3. SEVIS Fee payment: $350

Travel and Reentry Expenses

  1. SEVIS fee: $350
  2. Travel costs (airfare, transportation, accommodations)
  3. Visa application fees (if applicable)

 

6. FAQs

1. Can I still travel within the US after my SEVIS is terminated?

Yes, you can still travel within the United States after your SEVIS is terminated.

2. What does the 5-month rule mean for an F1 visa?

When a student transfers their SEVIS record from their previous school to a new one, the new school's program start date must be within 150 days of the previous school's program completion date or the student’s OPT end date.

3. What options are left for me if F1 reinstatement is denied?
  • Depart the United States and Re-enter with a New I-20 (D1CU can help!)  
  • File a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider
4. Can you renew your I-20 if your F-1 visa is expired?

Yes, you can renew your Form I-20 even if your F-1 visa has expired. However, if you plan to leave and re-enter the U.S., you must apply for a new F-1 visa with your updated I-20.

5. Can I use my b1 visa to reenter the US after I get SEVIS terminated?
If your SEVIS record has been terminated, it may affect your ability to use a B1 visa for entry into the United States.


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