Reinstatement to F-1 Status

Under new regulations, an F-1 student may be considered eligible for reinstatement by BCIS if the student:

• Has not been out of status for more than five months at the time of filing the reinstatement application (or demonstrates that failure to file within the five month period was beyond his/her control).
• Does not have a record of repeated violations of immigration regulations.
• Is currently pursuing a full course of study.
• Has not engaged in unauthorized employment.
• Provides evidence of violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the student's control, or reduction of course load without a DSO authorization.

To start the process, provide the following documents to your International Advisor:

1. Original I-94 card (if stolen, lost or destroyed, must apply for new I-94 card prior to reinstatement).
2. Copy of an original I-20 Form stamped by Immigration or a I-20 Form approved for a change of status by an Immigration Service Center.
3. New financial support documents (bank letter/statement indicating when the account was opened, type of the account at current balance).
4. New Affidavit of Support from SCC.
5. Original I-134 form.
6. Copy of entire passport (indicating biographical page, INS and foreign admissions/departure stamps, passport expiration date, and F-1 visa).
7. Provide a written explanation stating the violation of lawful status resulted from circumstances beyond student control and how failure to receive reinstatement will result in extreme hardship on the student. Attach any available supporting evidence.
8. If student has been arrested, submit a police clearance letter from the jurisdiction were the arrest took place, a certified copy of the arresting officer's report and a certified copy of the court disposition.
9. Official transcripts from the SCC Records Department:
   
   1. If transfer from another institution, request official transcripts from transfer institution as well.
   2. If student does not have an academic record history, a separate letter must be written by the student explaining why the transcripts cannot be provided.
10. A money order (only) for $195 (subject to change) payable to the USCIS.
11. I-539 form completed and signed by student (SCC advisors can assist you).

Did you know?

SCC's International Student Office helps students adjust to college life in the United States.