Loss and Reinstatement of F-1 Status
If an F student breaks an immigration rule, they may “lose their status” in the US. This means that their visa is no longer valid, their SEVIS record and I-20 have been deactivated, and they are no longer eligible to study. F status can be commonly lost on things such as lack of full-time enrollment, allowing the I-20 to expire inappropriately, academic suspension, or working without proper authorization.
- It is important to monitor your immigration status carefully and read email reminders from ISS to avoid losing your status!
Once F-1 status is lost, there are only a few ways a student can try to regain status depending on whether the reason for losing the status was not too severe.
Reinstatement by Application
A student may be eligible to apply for reinstatement by filing the I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with USCIS. Students will be required to explain the reason and extenuating circumstances for the loss of status and request to have it reactivated. This application must be submitted within five months of losing F-1 status. If it is submitted later than this, students will be required to complete the F-1 visa application process, and they will be issued a new SEVIS ID and be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
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The application has a $370 filing fee and an $85 biometrics fee.
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The process takes, on average, between 6-12 months.
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Please note that during the time that reinstatement is pending, the student is NOT eligible for F-1 benefits, such as work on or off-campus through CPT or OPT.
Students seeking reinstatement should contact ISS directly for individualized guidance.
Reinstatement by Traveling Abroad
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A student can choose to request a new I-20, pay the new SEVIS fee, and travel abroad with the new I-20.
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This often requires an application for a new visa if your current visa is expired.
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The student’s status is regained upon returning to the US with the new I-20.
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Please note that this method is dangerous for certain kinds of offenses that do not allow returning to the US, such as working without authorization or remaining in the US for a long time after losing status.
US Entrance Bars Based on Illegal Presence
If your F status is terminated it is essential to contact a DSO on your options, so you do not begin accruing unlawful presence in the US.
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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 three years.
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Individuals in the US for more than one year without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least ten years.
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These bans are removed if the student can be reinstated within the US.
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The consequences of remaining in the US without legal status are severe, so please always be mindful of your immigration status and let the ISS office know if you have questions or concerns.
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