Reinstatement of Status
Step 1: Request I-20 here and upload financial documentation:
- The reason for request is “Reinstatement.”
Step 2: Pick up I-20 and DSO support letter from ISSO
Step 3: Submit below documents to USCIS:
- Fill out Form I-539 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-539)
- Most recent I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/)
- Copy of new I-20 you received from ISSO
- Copies of all previous I-20s
- Copy of visa page in passport
- Copy of passport identification page
- Copy Financial Document (same document you provided to ISSO)
- Letter of explanation. Include:
- Why you are out of status (specify the violation);
- The reason for the status violation;
- The effect on the student of failure to receive reinstatement;
- A statement that you are currently pursuing or is intending to pursue a full course of study; and
- Specifically request that USCIS reinstate you to F-1 student status
- A copy of a transcript (unofficial is okay) is typically included
- SEVIS fee receipt (only if out of status more than 5 months)
- Can be retrieved from https://fmjfee.com/
- Click on “check status”
- Although it is optional, usually a DSO writes a letter of support