Reinstatement of Visa
If an international student fails to maintain their status, or if there is some question as to whether they have, and their designated school official (DSO) terminates their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, the student must file for reinstatement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or depart the United States immediately.
Eligibility for reinstatement
- Not be out of status for more than five months at the time of filing or show the exceptional circumstance that prevented filing in that time frame.
- Not have a record of repeated or willful violations of regulations.
- Not have worked without authorization.
- Be pursuing or intend to pursue a full course of study in the immediate future at your school.
- Not be deportable for any reason other than failing to maintain F-1 or M-1 status.
- Be able to show that:
- Circumstances beyond the student’s control caused the status violation.
- Student fell below a full course load for a reason the DSO could have used to authorize a reduced course load, and the student would experience extreme hardship, if the student fails to get reinstatement.
To find out if you are eligible for reinstatement, please fill out the Request for Reinstatement Form below.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT SUBMIT your USCIS online application for reinstatement UNTIL you have received the Reinstatement I-20 from the Office of International Student and Global Scholar Services (ISGSS).
Documents to prepare and to be uploaded in the form linked above are the following:
- (if you are applying online, please send a completed snapshot of your application found on the last part of the but do not submit the online application yet)
- Affidavit of Financial Support
- Bank Statement or other Proof of Funding for 1 year or the length of time it will take you to complete your program.
- Copy of your current i20
- Copy of your passport & visa
- Copy of your most recent i-94
- A letter from you requesting reinstatement to F-1 student status. The letter must explain your situation and truthfully states that failure to maintain status was due to any or all of the reasons listed below:
- Circumstances beyond the student’s control caused the status violation.
- The student fell below a full course load for a reason the DSO could have used to authorize a reduced course load, and the student would experience extreme hardship, if the student fails to get reinstatement.
- Supporting documentation (for example, a letter of support from a faculty advisor familiar with the circumstances of your case)
- Current transcript and transcripts from other U.S. schools previously attended
Processing time for a Reinstatement Request is 15-20 business days, depending on the severity of your case. Questions? Email ISGSS@lewisu.edu.
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