F-1 Reinstatement

As a student in F-1 visa status, you are expected to comply with immigration regulations. A student who fails to maintain F-1 status may apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request to be reinstated to lawful F-1 status. When you are no longer in valid status you are no longer eligible for some of the benefits that are tied to F-1 visa students, e.g., on-campus employment, practical training etc.

Failure to attend the school whose I-20 you used to enter the United States;Failure to report to Texas A&M University-San Antonio for registration in SEVIS upon arrivalFailure to maintain full-time enrollmentFailure to apply for a Program Extension before the completion date on your I-20Failure to obtain a new I-20 if you change your educational program or degree level

Am currently enrolled or intend to enroll for a full-time course loadCan establish that the violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond your controlHave not engaged in unauthorized employmentHave not been out of status for more than 5 monthsCan document sufficient financial resources to pursue a full-time course loadDo not have a history of repeated violationsAm not deportable from the US on any other grounds

Your reinstatement application must include the following documents:

A written letter request for reinstatement, written by you, explaining why you fell out of status and why the circumstances were beyond your control;
A new, I-20 created by the Office of International Affairs for reinstatement purposes. You must sign and date the I-20 and send a copy of your I-20 for reinstatement applications;
A completed Form I-539, which you can access from the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov/forms.
Note: Write "REINSTATEMENT" in red ink at the top of the Form I-539. In Part 2, question 1, check "C" and write: "Reinstatement to F-1 status;"
Financial documentation showing one year of tuition, fees, and living expenses;
Copies of your passport, visa, and I-94 card;
Copies of all I-20s previously issued to you;
Transcripts (copies are sufficient);
A Cashier’s check or money order payable to U.S Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $370.

Where to file:

USPS, USCIS Dallas Lockbox
USCIS
P.O. Box 660166
Dallas, TX 75266

USPS, express mail and courier deliveries
USCIS
ATTN: I-539
2501 S. State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

Student Name*

First NameLast Name

Signature*

Date*

MonthDayYear

Procedure: Once you complete the reinstatement application and have gathered all supporting documents, you may present your packet to the Office of International Affairs (OIA) who will review all your documents for accuracy. Your application for reinstatement is made by you directly to USCIS. The OIA does not have a role in approving your application. Only U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services can reinstate your status.