Apply for F-1 Reinstatement
To apply for F-1 Reinstatement, work directly with your ISSO Advisor and submit a request for Reinstatement in the ISSOPortal. You will first receive a new I-20 recommendation from the ISSO. You will use this I-20 to complete Form I-539 with USCIS. Your application for reinstatement is your personal application. ISSO strongly recommends working with a qualified immigration attorney to ensure the most complete application for success to USCIS.
Documentation and Information to Apply for Reinstatement
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- Personal Letter to USCIS – A letter that explains the details of the circumstances that caused you to fall out of status. It is important you establish that either:
- Your violation resulted from circumstances beyond your control, or
- Your violation relates to a reduced course load that would have been in the ISSO’s power to authorize and that failure to receive reinstatement would result in extreme hardship.
- Financial Documents – Prepare new and current financial documents to show you have sufficient funds to cover the current expenses for tuition, fees and cost-of-living for one academic year (9 months)
- Verification of Enrollment from BU Registrar – Obtain a transcript of all course work completed, and also certification of your full-time enrollment for the current semester (or for the next semester if currently between semesters)
- Statement from Student Financials that verifies you owe no money to BU up to and including the current semester. (If currently between semesters, it would be highly beneficial to show you have already paid your tuition and fees for the next semester, if possible)
- Support Documentation Related to F-1 Infraction – May include:
- Support letter from your academic department
- Support letter from other parties that can attest to the specific details of your case
- Passport data page and I-94 arrival record
- Personal Letter to USCIS – A letter that explains the details of the circumstances that caused you to fall out of status. It is important you establish that either:
Your ISSO Advisor may be advise you to obtain additional documentation that could help your specific case before submitting your application to the USCIS.
While your Application is Pending with USCIS
You may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS. It is imperative that you contact your ISSO Advisor to strategize a response to the inquiry. When you receive an adjudication result from USCIS, contact your ISSO Advisor with the details.
Approval
If your reinstatement application is approved, USCIS will update your SEVIS record to return it to Active status.
Denial
If you are denied reinstatement, you cannot appeal the decision and you must depart the U.S. as soon as possible. Depending on the basis for the denial, it may still be possible for you to request a new I-20 to travel and reenter the U.S. in a new F-1 status.