In this Section Maintaining Your F-1 Status Maintaining Your J-1 Status Extending Your Program or Requesting Renewal Traveling While on OPT Traveling While on Post-completion Academic Training Requesting Withdrawal or a Leave of Absence Obtaining Reduced Course-Load Authorization Working Under F-1 Status Working Under J-1 Status Needing Reinstatement Related Information ISS Check-in Changing Your Address Traveling Outside the United States Replacing Lost or Stolen Documents

If you violate the terms of your nonimmigrant status, you may need to apply to the Department of Homeland Security for "Reinstatement." Reinstatement is a way to admit that you made a mistake and to ask the Department of Homeland Security to pardon your mistake and put you back into an active nonimmigrant status.

ISS will assist you in deciding how to proceed. You should visit our office as soon as possible if you believe you could be in violation of your status. It is very important to file a Reinstatement application immediately. Reinstatement applications can take up to five months to process.

To download an application for reinstatement click on the link below: (Be sure to read all instructions carefully and seek assistance from an International Student Advisor before attempting to file for reinstatement). You will need an I-539 form to apply for reinstatement.
(The application is also available in various languages. Visit ISS to learn more).

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT UNAUTHORIZED EMPLOYMENT IS A SERIOUS VIOLATION AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR REINSTATEMENT. YOU CANNOT FILE FOR REINSTATEMENT IF YOU HAVE ENGAGED IN UNAUTHORIZED EMPLOYMENT. YOU SHOULD SEEK LEGAL ADVICE FROM AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY ON THIS MATTER.

You must include the following with your reinstatement application:

• Properly completed SEVIS Form I-20, issued for reinstatement by ISS.
• Write a letter of explanation addressed to USCIS, stating why you are out of status (specify the violation) and the hardship you will experience if you are not reinstated.
• Complete and sign Form I-539 writing in at Part 2 item 1 phrase “reinstatement to F-1 status”
• Write a check to the order of “Department of Homeland Security” in the amount of the fee for Form I-539 (consult with ISS for the latest fee).
• Copy of the new updated financial support documents that supported issuance of the reinstatement
• Original Form I-94
• Copy of passport
• Any other documentation that might help establish the nature of the violation, to document that the violation occurred less than 5 months ago.
• Submit transcripts establishing that you are pursuing or intending to pursue a full course of study