How do I regain my F-1 status?

There are two ways to regain status: apply for reinstatement or depart the U.S. and seek a new admission to the U.S. in F-1 status. The process to regain valid F-1 status can be challenging. We want to discuss your options with you.

How can I reinstate my F-1 status?

Option 1: Reinstatement

Reinstatement is an application submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by a student who has violated their F-1 status to request return to legal student status. A reinstatement application costs $370 and can take approximately five months to be processed by USCIS.

What are the chances of F-1 reinstatement?

Your chances of being reinstated as an F-1 student are highest if you do not have a history of repeatedly or will- fully violating USCIS rules. You must be pursuing, or plan to pursue, a full course of study at your school.

How much is the fee for F-1 reinstatement?

How do I regain F-1 Status? Then submit reinstatement application to USCIS and Pay $805 ($370 for the application fee, $85 for the biometric services fee, and $350 for a new SEVIS/I-901 fee).

How long can F-1 students be out of status?

US Immigration law states that individuals in the US for more than 180 days without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least 3 years. Individuals in the US for more than 1 year without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least 10 years.

What Do I Do if My F-1 status is Terminated?

What is the 5 month rule for F-1 students?

The 5-month rule applies when an F-1 student quits attending school without getting a valid early withdrawal. This regulation states that if an F-1 student misses more than five months of classes, their F-1 status may have been compromised.

How do I know if my SEVIS is still active?

You may check your current SEVIS status by talking to your designated school official or responsible officer. For questions, send a detailed e-mail to [email protected].

What documents are needed for F-1 reinstatement?

Photocopies of all previously-issued I-20s. Original I-94 (the white card stapled inside your passport) or I-94 printout obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/. Photocopy of new Reinstatement I-20 signed by ISS adviser. Evidence of source and amount of financial support.

Under what circumstances would an F-1 student not eligible for reinstatement?

In general, to be eligible for reinstatement, the student 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.

What happens if reinstatement is denied?

You will begin accumulating days of "unlawful presence." If you remain in the United States after the denial for over 180 days, you will be barred from returning to the US for three years; if you remain after the denial for one year or more, you will be barred from returning to the US for ten years Please note that ...

How do I write a reinstatement letter for F-1?

Include a statement about currently pursuing or intending to pursue a full course of study. Include your career and educational plan and goals. Include a statement attesting that you have not been engaged in any unauthorized employment. Include a statement that you truly regret your error and ask for reinstatement.

How long does it take for USCIS to process reinstatement?

5. You will receive a receipt notice from USCIS within about 2 to 4 weeks. USCIS will take approximately 4 to 12 months to process your application. Once a decision is made regarding your reinstatement, you will receive a letter in the mail from USCIS.

How do I write a USCIS reinstatement letter?

Specifically request that USCIS reinstate your F-1 student status. To whom it may concern: I (state your name) am applying for reinstatement because I (state your violation) during the (state the semester) semester. This happened because (provide reason especially emphasizing any circumstances beyond your control).

How do I reactivate a terminated SEVIS?

Getting Back to Status

If your SEVIS record is terminated, there are two ways to regain your status: By travel and re-entry with a new SEVIS record: Exit then re-enter the U.S. with a new I-20. By reinstatement: Submit a reinstatement application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Can SEVIS be reactivated after termination?

The Reinstatement – Update SEVIS Status link is available immediately after the status changes to Terminated. Submission of the request requires payment of a non-refundable fee, supporting documentation and review by the Department of State.

How much does I 539 cost?

$370. Starting Oct. 1, 2023, USCIS has exempted the biometric services fee for all Form I-539 applicants. Read more here: USCIS Exempts Biometric Services Fee for All Form I-539 Applicants.

What is a request for reinstatement?

A reinstatement letter is a missive a former employee sends to a previous employer asking for their job back.

What does requesting reinstatement mean?

What Is Reinstatement? Reinstatement is the restoration of a person or thing to a former position. Regarding insurance, reinstatement allows a previously terminated policy to resume effective coverage.

What is reinstatement endorsement?

A reinstatement clause is part of an insurance policy that stipulates when coverage can begin again after a recent accident. While filing a current claim from a customer, an insurance company may not want to restart coverage again until the claim is complete, leaving the customer uninsured for that period.

What happens to F-1 visa if SEVIS is terminated?

If you fail to maintain your F-1 status and your SEVIS immigration record is terminated, this means that you would be considered as out-of-status by the Department of Homeland Security and you would no longer eligible for on-campus employment, practical training, travel signatures for re-entry to the US, or any other ...

Can SEVIS record be reactivated?

Returning after less than 5 months: SEVIS Reactivation

A SEVIS reactivation will allow you to use your current I-20 to re-enter the U.S. and if approved, you will keep the same SEVIS ID number and same SEVIS record, with continuous F-1 status. Your OPT/CPT eligibility timeline will also not be impacted.

How long can I stay after SEVIS termination?

In most cases, the termination of your SEVIS record means that you must make plans to immediately depart from the United States. In other words, there is no grace period after termination. If your SEVIS record is terminated, contact us to schedule an appointment immediately.

How long is F-1 valid for?

Validity of the F-1 visa

The F-1 visa is issued for up to 5 years. It is important to note that the visa is only valid in conjunction with a valid I-20 form. US residency status is for the duration of the period noted on the I-20 form.

Can F-1 students get paid?

It would be highly unusual for an F-1 visa holder to be approved to receive an honorarium payment, as F-1 visa students are never authorized for self-employment except with an OPT (Optional Practical Training) or hardship-based EAD (Employment Authorization Document).

Can a F-1 student take a semester off?

Taking a Semester Off

Students are not able to remain in the US in F-1 immigration status if they are not enrolled. Students that need to take a semester off should plan to leave the US until ready to return to their studies.