Reinstatement to F-1 Status

1. you did not carry a full program of study without previous approval from an international student advisor;
2. you did not attend school during fall or spring semester, unless you were excused for medical reasons;
3. you failed to attend the school you were authorized by USCIS to attend;
4. you did not notify USCIS of a transfer or change of educational levels in a timely manner;
5. you remained in the US beyond the time authorized under duration of status and did not apply for extension of stay;
6. you violated the immigration regulations in any other manner.

1. you have not been out of status for more than 5 months at the time of filing for reinstatement.
2. you do not have a record of repeated or willful violations of the F1 regulations.
3. you are currently pursuing, or intend to pursue, a full course of study in the immediate future at the school which issued the Form I-20.
4. you have not engaged in unauthorized employment.
5. you are not deportable
6. you establish that the violation of status was a result of circumstances beyond your control, or that the violation relates to a reduction in courseload that would have been approved by your international student adviser.

• Come to ISSS with your passport and I-20. Discuss your situation with an international student adviser and get his/her advice about applying for reinstatement.
• Write a letter to USCIS asking for reinstatement, explaining the circumstances of your case, keeping in mind the eligibility requirements stated above.
• Complete an I-539 Form (Application to Extend Time of Temporary Stay) and attach the $300 ($290 after 11/23/2010).

• Issue a new I-20.
• Send the new I-20, I-539, and the letter to the USCIS .
• If you are ineligible to apply for reinstatement, advise you about other options.

• If reinstatement is authorized, USCIS will send you the adjudicated I-20.
• If reinstatement is denied, USCIS will give you a voluntary departure date.