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F-1 Reinstatement

A student will need to apply for reinstatement to F-1 status if he/she is out of status and intends to resume full time studies. A student may be out of status, for example, if:

• The student was enrolled less than full time and did not have a waiver from the International Office.


• The student did not complete the transfer process.


• The student entered the U.S. on another school's SEVIS I-20 but did not attend that school.


• The student was issued an I-515 upon entry but did not send the required documents to BCIS.


• The student does not have a valid reason for extending his completion date beyond that written on the SEVIS I-20.


• The student did not apply for an extension in time.

PROCEDURE:

1. The student brings to the International Office the following:
1. A completed Form I-539
2. A letter written by the student to BCIS 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 he has not worked illegally in the U.S.
3. Financial proof that the student can cover the expenses of full-time study.
4. Proof that the student intends to be a full time student, such as registration for a full course of study.
5. A check for $300 to Department of Homeland Security
6. The original I-94 card.
3. The International Office will prepare a new SEVIS I-20 for the student.


4. The student will come to the International Office to sign the bottom of the SEVIS I-20.


5. The International Office will send the following to BCIS District Office:
1. Form I-539
2. SEVIS I-20
3. Financial Statements
4. Letter from student requesting reinstatement
5. Check for $300
6. I-94 card
6. Reinstatement can also be accomplished by student leaving the U.S. and re-entering with the new SEVIS I-20. However, if the reinstatement is required because you have failed to extend your SEVIS I-20 in time or if you have dropped out of school for a semester or more without obtaining a waiver, your visa will be automatically cancelled. In that case you are required to return to your home country to obtain a new visa before you can reenter the US. Please note also that if you reinstate by leaving the U.S., your re-entry will be treated as initial attendance. You will then have to be a full time student for two semesters before you would be eligible for off-campus work authorization.