1. Steps for F­1 Reinstatement
If an F-1 student has failed to maintain student status (is “out of status”) he/she must make an
appointment with the International Student Adviser to discuss possible reinstatement. A student is out of
status but eligible for reinstatement when he or she:
• Has ever been enrolled less than full-time during spring or fall semesters. Full time enrollment is 9
credit hours for graduate students and 12 credit hours for undergraduate students. ELP students
must be enrolled in at least 18 classroom hours per session including summer session
• Has overstayed the authorized period on the I-20
• Has failed to make reasonable progress toward a degree, certificate or similar educational objective
A student is NOT eligible for reinstatement when he or she has had unauthorized employment or is in
deportation proceedings.
In order to apply for reinstatement, the student must submit the following items to the International
Student Adviser:
1. A extension form completed by the student and student’s academic adviser stating that he or she is
in good standing with the department and projected program completion date
2. Updated financial documents showing funds to support the student through the rest of his/her career
3. A letter addressed to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from the student
explaining how the violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond his or her control or how
failure to receive reinstatement will result in extreme hardship to the student
4. The original I-94 card and copies of the passport identification page and visa stamp
5. A copy front and back of the original Form I-20 (the red entry stamp must be legible)
6. A new I-20 (issued by the GEO- IS, the financial statements have been received)
7. Form I-539 completed by the student with the supplement for any dependents
8. Official full-time class schedule and receipt of tuition payment for upcoming semester and official
transcript showing grades for all previous semesters
9. A check made payable to “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services” for $290.
10. NOTE: If the student has been out of status for five months or longer the student will need to pay the
$200 SEVIS fee again and include the receipt.
Once the International Student Adviser has met with the student and received the above documents,
there is a two week processing time. Reinstatement decisions from USCIS can take up to a month.
While the student is out of status or waiting for reinstatement, the student is ineligible for any F-1
student benefits including but not limited to international travel, on campus work, off campus work
authorization, etc.
Updated 2010
Office of International Education-Immigration Services
817 W. Franklin Street, P.O. Box 843043, Richmond, VA 23284 Fax: (804) 828-2552 Tel: (804) 828-0595