An F-1 student who is not in lawful F-1 status due to an immigration violation of some kind may seek ‘reinstatement’ to F-1 status. Reinstatement is an application that a student makes to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requesting permission to remain in the U.S. to continue studies. While the reinstatement does not remove the violation, it effectively allows the student to resume full-time studies and apply for any immigration benefits permitted F-1 students in good standing.

When is Reinstatement Necessary?
An F-1 student may fall out of lawful F-1 status for a number of different reasons, some more serious than others. Some of the common reasons why a student may need reinstatement are the following:
• Failure to enroll on a full-time basis during the fall / winter semesters, or to obtain ISSS authorization for a reduced course load
• Failure to make full-time progress toward the degree program
• Failure to apply or qualify for a program extension (I-20 extension) in a timely manner
• Failure to complete a F-1 transfer procedure in a timely manner
• Unlawful employment (working without authorization from the ISPS or the USCIS)

Eligibility for Reinstatement
An F-1 student who is not in lawful F-1 status may be eligible to seek reinstatement provided they meet certain eligibility requirements.
• The student must intend to continue full-time studies, and be eligible to continue full-time studies
• The student must document adequate financial resources to meet their educational and living expenses
• The student must show that the reason for the status violation was inadvertent, and due to reasons or circumstances beyond their control
• The student must not have a history of willful status violations
• The status violation must not have taken place more than five (5) months before the date the reinstatement application is filed
• The status violation cannot be due to unlawful employment (this offense would make the student ineligible for reinstatement)

The ISPS will work directly with any student who is not in lawful status regarding reinstatement or other immigration options, however, we recommend the student seek assistance from an immigration attorney. The reinstatement application requires a substantial fee and can take several months to adjudicate. The student may not seek any employment benefits until the reinstatement application has been adjudicated, and only if the decision is favorable. If the application is not favorable, then the student will need to depart the U.S. and apply for a new F-1 visa on the basis of a new Form I-20.

Special Considerations
Processing times for reinstatement applications vary; however, it may take as long as 6 months for the application to be adjudicated. Although you may continue to study while the application is pending (in fact, you are required to register full-time during this period), you will not be eligible for any type of employment until the reinstatement is approved.

Alternative to Reinstatement (Recommended)
You also have the option of traveling to regain status instead of applying for reinstatement. When you travel to regain status, you are issued a new I-20 for “Initial Attendance” with a new SEVIS ID number. You then leave the U.S. and re-enter using the new I-20. When you enter the U.S. and receive an I-94 marked “F-1 D/S”, you will once again be in valid F-1 status. However, if you choose to travel to regain status, you will forfeit any time you have accrued toward practical training eligibility. You will need to be registered for one academic year in order to qualify for practical training.