International Student Services

F-1 Reinstatement

[All information is subject to change without notice.]

If an F-1 student has failed to follow the established rules and requirements for F-1 students, they have become “out of status” and their SEVIS record will be terminated.  The student can request that the U.S. Immigration Service re-establish his/her F-1 status, and request that the Immigration Service re-establish eligibility for F-1 immigration status benefits.  This request process is called “Reinstatement.”

Reinstatement Eligibility

You are eligible to file for Reinstatement if you meet the following conditions:

  1. You are in the United States, and have violated your F-1 status.
  2. The violation resulted from one of the following:
    • Circumstances beyond your control.
    • Failure to apply in a timely fashion for a reduced course load authorization from your International Student Advisor.
  3. The violation did not occur more than five months ago.
  4. You have not engaged in unauthorized employment.

Reinstatement Application Process

  1. Speak with your UTD International Student Advisor about Reinstatement eligibility. It is in your best interest to file immediately after violation.
  2. Submit the following documents to your International Student Advisor:
    • A letter of explanation which includes: The reason that you are asking for reinstatement, how the violation resulted from circumstances beyond your control, an explanation of why failure to receive reinstatement would result in extreme hardship, a statement that you have never been employed without USCIS authorization, a statement that you are currently pursuing or intend to pursue a full course of study in the next long semester.
    • Financial Affidavit.
    • Bank statement on bank letterhead and less than six months old.
    • Form I-539 (available in the International Student Services Office).
    • A money order or cashier's check for $300 made payable to The Department of Homeland Security.
    • Proof of payment of the $100 SEVIS fee (Form I-797 - "Notice of Action")
    • Your original I-94 card.
    • Photocopy of passport identification page showing the photograph and the expiration date.
    • Photocopy of your current F-1 visa or F-1 I-797 Change of Status Approval Notice
    • Copy of all academic transcripts from your studies in the United States
    • Copy of all I-20s (front and back) from all institutions you have attended in the United States.
    • Any other documentation that may help establish the nature of the violation.
  3. After five to seven days, return to the ISS Office to sign a new I-20.
  4. Compile and mail your application to the Dallas District Office. The ISS will provide you with mailing instructions. You should receive a receipt from the USCIS Dallas District Office within four to six weeks of mailing your application. You should receive a decision from the USCIS Dallas District Office within 60 days of the date of the receipt (processing times vary).

Important Notice

YOU CANNOT LEAVE THE UNITED STATES WHILE YOUR APPLICATION IS PENDING. DEPARTING THE UNITED STATES WHILE AN APPLICATION IS PENDING WITH THE USCIS IS CONSIDERED AN ABANDONMENT OF THE APPLICATION.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I be notified of the decision?

Your international student advisor will receive an email from the USCIS, and will inform you by email. If approved, your reinstatement I-20 and original I-94 card will be returned to the address that you used on page one, part one of the I-539. If the I-20 and I-94 card are mailed to your home address, it is your responsibility to bring a copy of these documents to the International Student Services Office.

What are the consequences of a reinstatement denial?

Your reinstatement denial would have the following effects, as of the date of your denial:

  • The visa that you used to enter the United States would automatically be canceled.
  • You would be permanently limited to applying for U.S. non-immigrant visas in yoru country of citizenship or permanent residency.
  • You will begin accumulating days of “unlawful presence.” If you remain in the United States after the denial for over 180 days, you will be barred from returning to the United States for three years; if you remain in the United States after the denial for one year or more, you will be barred from returning to the United States for ten years.

Am I allowed to register at UTD while immigration considers my application?

Yes. You are required to enroll in a full course of study while pending reinstatement.

Am I allowed to work while immigration considers my reinstatement application?

No. Since you are not in valid F-1 status, you can not take advantage of the benefits of F-1 such as on-campus employment, CPT or OPT.

Can I work again after immigration approves my reinstatement?

You will be eligible to work on-campus immediately after your application for reinstatement is approved by immigration.  If you had met the one academic year full time lawful enrollment prior to losing your status, then you would be eligible for CPT or OPT after immigration approves your reinstatement.

Updated: October 30, 2007