What You Need To Know About “Reinstatement” To F-1 Student Status

In order to expedite your request, it is important for you to read the information below, and prepare to answer questions concerning your reinstatement.

What Is “Reinstatement”?

Reinstatement is a procedure that allows you to explain the circumstances that caused you to violate the terms of your F-1 student status, by filing an application with the USCIS.

Immigration recognizes that students experience problems while pursuing their education in the U.S. When you can show that the violation of the F-1 rules happened for reasons beyond your control, or that the violation was merely technical (like missing a deadline), and not serious, the USCIS is likely to forgive your violation and return you to active status. You can also be reinstated if you can show that if you do not regain your F-1 status, and have to stop your studies, it would result in serious hardship for you.

What Are The Rules For Getting Reinstated?

• You will be asked to complete an application, and to write a clear explanation of what happened, and why the violation was not your fault. If you did not know that you were breaking any rule, you should say so, but do not expect to be returned to status for that reason alone. Most rules are delineated on page two of your original SEVIS Form I-20, and you were advised to read them. When we meet to discuss reinstatement, we will assist you.
  
  
• Evidence can be very important in helping you to get reinstated. If you can think of any kind of evidence, such as a letter from home, newspaper clippings about conditions at home, an affidavit from someone who is familiar with the circumstances that caused the violation, your transcript, or anything else, it would be helpful to your application.
  
  
• A new SEVIS I-20 is required for your reinstatement application. If your SEVIS I-20 was issued a year ago, or if your violation of status had anything to do with finances, you will need to complete a new application for a Form I-20, and to present new evidence of your financial ability to support the costs of studying and living in the U.S., for each year of study remaining in your program.
  
  
• If you have worked off-campus without authorization, you cannot be reinstated. If you worked off-campus without authorization, or worked more than 20 hours a week when school was in session, reinstatement is possible, though you must show that the violation was not deliberate or not your fault.

How Does A Violation Of Status Affect You?

• You may continue your full-time studies, as usual, while your application is being processed by USCIS.
  
  
• You may continue on-campus employment while your application is being processed by USCIS. If you do not file an application for reinstatement, your on-campus employment will be terminated.
  
  
• Your privileges and benefits as an F-1 student will be suspended at this school, and at any school to which you might transfer, until you are reinstated. That means you are not eligible for any type of off-campus employment, a school transfer, or change of academic level notification procedure to USCIS, or an extension of time to complete your academic level.
  
  
• It may take up to six months for USCIS to answer your application.
  
  
• You must be advised by the International Student Advisor about reinstatement, in order to register next semester, or to receive a diploma or a transcript.

The Office Of Multicultural And International Affairs Has Had Excellent Success Assisting Students In Regaining Their F-1 Student Status!! We Are Experts In This Process And Get Results! We Look Forward To Helping You!!