Reinstatement of Status

wave gradient

If you have determined that your F-1 status is no longer active and would require a reinstatement of immigration status, there is two ways to re-gain immigration status:

Traveling Outside of the U.S. – Applying for a Visa at the U.S. Consulate

You may obtain a new visa status by leaving the United States, applying for a new visa and re-entering in F-1 or J-1 student status.

Applying for Reinstatement with USCIS

To change your visa status by filing a change of status application with USCIS we recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney.

Eligibility for Reinstatement of Status

  • Have 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.
  • Have no record of repeated or willful violations of regulations.
  • Have not have worked without authorization.
  • Must be pursuing or intend to pursue a full course of study in the immediate future at UCI.
  • Are not be deportable for any reason other than failing to maintain F-1
  • Be able to show that:
    • The loss of immigration status was due to circumstances beyond your (the student’s) control and caused the status violation.

Students who are eligible to apply for reinstatement to F-1 status, must do the following:

  • Step 1: Meet with an international student advisor at the International Center.
  • Step 2: Submit Student Visa Document Request to the International Center with supporting documents, select ‘Reinstatement’.
  • Step 3: Gather documents required to apply for reinstatement and work with an immigration attorney to file your application with USCIS.
  • Step 4: Receive an I-797 Receipt Notice from USCIS within 2-4 weeks of submitting your application. Email copy of the receipt notice to internationalcenter@uci.edu.
  • Step 5: Obtain a decision from USCIS regarding your reinstatement application (I-539 processing times can be reviewed here).

Decision of Reinstatement from USCIS

Once USCIS has made a decision, you will receive mail indicating if your application for reinstatement has been approved or denied. Email the decision of your reinstatement to internationalcenter@uci.edu. An advisor will review your request and determine next steps based on the approval or denial of your application and will contact you via email with next steps.