International Student Services

[All information is subject to change without notice.]

If an F-1 student fails to follow the regulations and requirements set by the U.S. government for F-1 students, the student’s F-1 immigration record is terminated and the student is “out of status”.  Being out of status is a serious matter; all F-1 benefits cease and the student can be subject to deportation.

Students who meet eligibility requirements can request that their F-1 status be restored. This is called “Restoration of Status by Travel” or “Reinstatement by Petition.” The following general information is meant only as an introduction to reinstatement issues. Please speak with an international student advisor or an immigration professional to obtain further details.

Option 1:  Restoration of Status by Travel

1. Meet with a UT Dallas international student advisor about eligibility and the documents needed in your specific circumstance. It is in your best interest to take action immediately after the violation. 
2. Request a “Restoration of Status by Travel” I-20 from the International Student Services Office by filling in a “Request for New I-20” form and submitting it with all documents outlined by the international student advisor. The ISS Office processing time for Form I-20s is five business days. An email will be sent to your @utdallas.edu account when the new I-20 is ready.
3. Leave the United States and re-enter with your new I-20 within 30 days of the issue date of the I-20.  Ask your international student advisor what additional immigration documents you will need during your travel.
4. After returning with the new F-1 status, submit copies of your stamped I-20 and I-94 card to the ISS Office within 10 days of your return.

Option 2:  Reinstatement by Petition

1. Meet with a UT Dallas international student advisor about “Reinstatement by Petition” eligibility and the documents needed in your specific circumstance. It is in your best interest to file immediately after the violation.
2. Request a reinstatement I-20 from the International Student Services Office by filling in a “Request for New I-20” form and submitting it with all documents outlined by the international student advisor. The ISS Office processing time for Form I-20s is five business days. An email will be sent to your @utdallas.edu account when the new I-20 is ready.
3. Mail the application and supporting documents to USCIS within 30 days of the issue date of the I-20. The USCIS will determine if your “reinstatement” is approved.
4. Continue to enroll as a full time student while you wait for the USCIS decision. An email will be sent to your @utdallas.edu account when the decision letter arrives from USCIS. USCIS processing times vary, and you can expect a minimum of 3 months. You must not leave the U.S. while the petition is pending or your request could be canceled by USCIS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for “Reinstatement by Petition?”

..more According to federal immigration regulations, you are eligible to file for reinstatement if you meet the ALL of following conditions: You are in the United States and have violated your F-1 status due to either circumstances beyond your control or for a failure to apply in a timely fashion for a reduced course load authorization from your International Student Advisor. The violation did not occur more than five months ago. You have not engaged in unauthorized employment. (hide)

What are the consequences of a reinstatement denial?

..more As of the date of your denial: The visa that you used to enter the United States is automatically canceled. You will likely be instructed by USCIS to leave the U.S. If you remain in the U.S. more than 180 days beyond the denial date, you will be barred from returning to the U.S. for three years; if you remain for one year or more, you will be barred for ten years. (hide)

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

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

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

..more No. As you are not in valid F-1 status, you are not eligible for F-1 benefits, including employment of any kind. (hide)

Can I work again if approved for reinstatement?

..more a) You are eligible to work on-campus immediately after you receive written notification from USCIS of your approval (if restoring your status by petition) OR when you re-enter the U.S. with an appropriately stamped I-20 and I-94 (if restoring your status by travel). b) Off-campus employment eligibility is determined by the method of reinstatement and when you fell out of status. For more information, speak with an international student advisor. (hide)