If you have failed to maintain lawful student status, you will need to apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to be reinstated to F-1 status. Some of the reasons for reinstating are:
- not taking enough credits each semester
- not registering for a semester or more
- not following proper USCIS procedures to transfer to a new school
- not attending the school whose I-20 you used to enter the country
- not applying for an extension of stay before your I-20 form expires
- not applying for I-20 to be sent to USCIS when you change degree level such as bachelor's to master's degree or when changing majors
- working without authorization or continuing to work after you transfer to another school without getting new work authorization
- Application Procedures
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- Complete an I-539 form available at the Office of Foreign Students & Scholars (OFSS).
- Apply for a new I-20 from the OFSS. You will need to prove your financial ability again. This proof will be sent to USCIS with your reinstatement application.
- Write a letter to the USCIS containing the following items:
- that you are currently pursuing a full course of study
- you have not worked without authorization
- you are not deportable on any grounds except failure to maintain your student status
- give reasons why going out of status was beyond your control or failure to receive reinstatement to lawful F-1 status would result in extreme hardship to you
- Make a check or money order payable to USCIS for $300.00.
- Bring your passport and I-94 to OFSS.
If the USCIS reinstates you to student status, they will return the I-20 with the approval written on it. If your request for reinstatement is denied, the decision may not be appealed. If your reinstatement is approved, bring it to OFSS. Reinstatement processing usually takes 60 to 120 days.
It is your responsibility to comply with all USCIS regulations which apply to F-1 students!