Reinstatement for F-1 Students in SEVIS

Rules/Regulations
Applications for reinstatement must be filed ASAP after status violation, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated by the student. If more than 5 months have passed, the student must be able to provide substantial reason for the delay in applying for reinstatement. The student must also prove that the status violation resulted from circumstances beyond the student’s control —may include injury, illness, closure of school, natural disaster, or DSO inadvertence, oversight or neglect. And, the student does not have a record of repeated or willful violations. OR Status violation is for a Reduced Course Load which DSO could have authorized and reinstatement denial would result in extreme hardship for student.

What You Must Do
Apply to the BCIS for reinstatement on Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status accompanied by a properly completed SEVIS Form I-20 indicating the DSO's recommendation for reinstatement.

Deadline
ASAP. Must be filed within 5 months of the occurrence of the violation.

NOTE: Rules for reinstatement are much stricter.