Reinstatement to F-1 student status

A student who has stayed beyond the authorized program completion date on his/her I-20 form or otherwise violated his/her immigration status (see Maintaining a legal F-1/J-1 status) must apply for reinstatement. The reinstatement is adjudicated by INS. The pro edure takes approximately 2-3 months, but sometimes it can take longer.

In the application the student must explain the circumstances of the violation and show intent to follow INS regulations from hereonout. It is also essential to prove that the student did not engage in unauthorized employment. If/when the application is approved, INS will return the I-20 form with an "Approved" stamp and issue a new I-94 card to the student. If the reinstatement request is denied, the student must leave the U.S. by the voluntary departure date issued by INS.

In order to request reinstatement, the following information is required:

• Completed I-539 form
• Original I-94 card
• Copy of passport (visa page and demographic page)
• New, updated I-20 form issued by the Graduate School
• Copy of current I-20 form
• Letter, bank statement or assistantship agreement showing source and amount of funding
• Check for $120 made payable to INS
• Proof of pursuing a full course of study (transcripts or class tickets showing full-time enrollment)
• Letter addressed to INS explaining the situation (explain in details and indicate that you did not knowlingly violate your status)

Mail your request to:

INS

4420 North Fairfax Drive

Arlington, VA 22203