F-1 Reinstatement

When you are studying with an F-1 visa in the United States, there are rules you must abide by from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you do not follow the rules and regulations, your F-1 visa will be terminated. When your F-1 visa is terminated, it can seem like a stressful or scary situation. In the event that your visa has been terminated, you can apply for reinstatement, and we can help! 

To be eligible for reinstatement, you must:

Not be out of status for more than five months at the time of filing or show the exceptional circumstance that prevented filing in that time frame.

Not have a record of repeated or willful violations of regulations.

Not have worked without authorization.

Be pursuing or intend to pursue a full course of study in the immediate future at your school.

Not be deportable for any reason other than failing to maintain F-1 or M-1 status.

 Be able to show that:

Circumstances beyond your control caused the status violation.

You fell below a full course load for a reason the DSO could have used to authorize a reduced course load, and you would experience extreme hardship, if you failed

 If you are unsure of how to apply for reinstatement, we can help you with the process. The first step is to schedule an appointment with our director to discuss your options to regain your F-1 visa status. After meeting, we can create a new I-20 Form for your reinstatement application. You will also need to complete Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. If you have been out of status for more than five months, you will need to pay your SEVIS I-901 fee again and explain why your application process was not filed sooner. When finished, you will need to send your application to USCIS. Then USCIS will mail you their decision about your application. If approved, SEVIS emails the approval to the designated school official and changes your status to active. After you are approved, you can enroll in the program on your I-20 Form.

Published on December 13, 2019

American English Language School (AELS) is a CEA-accredited and SEVP-approved English language school authorized to issue I-20 forms for international students. Located in Los Angeles, Orange County (Fullerton), and Irvine, California, AELS offers small classes, conversation-focused lessons, and proven results through individualized learning experiences. If you’re serious about improving your English, join AELS today!