Applying for Reinstatement
Option 1: Application for a change of status
The application process for reinstatement to F-1 status requires a list of documents that need to be submitted along with Form I-539 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Service (USCIS). A list of the necessary documents are detailed below:
Step 1: Download, print, and complete Form I-539.
Please note on Part 2, Question #1, Box ‘c’, write “Reinstatement of Student Status” and write the word “Reinstatement” in red on the upper right corner of the form.
Step 2: Pay the reinstatement fee.
There is a fee of $300 required to apply for reinstatement. Payment can be made in the form of a money order, personal check, or cashiers check. Payments need to be paid to the order of the Department of Homeland Security.
Step 3: Compile the necessary documents.
Provide a new SEVIS I-20 signed by a Cowley DSO and the student (original only) with the reason of issuance being “Reinstatement Requested”.
In addition, you must provide a Cowley DSO with financial documentation (cannot be more than 6 months old). You can use one of the following or a combination of:
Step 4: Mail the documents
Once all documents are compiled, it is your responsibility (not the college’s), to mail the information to the USCIS service center. Before mailing, make two copies of your packet; one for you, and one for the DSO who is working on your reinstatement.
The service center address is listed below:
USCIS California Service Center
PO Box 10539
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1053
On the outside of the envelope, it is helpful to indicate on the words “Original Submissions I-539 Reinstatement” to the left of the address.
Then what?
The processing of a reinstatement request will take a good deal of time. Expect between 30 – 90 days to receive a decision on your application. The original documents you submitted (I-94 and I-20) will be returned to you along with the decision.
Option 2: Obtain a new F-1 visa
The process for obtaining a new F-1 visa will be very similar to the process you went through to obtain your original visa. You will need to contact a Cowley DSO who will provide you with a new initial status I-20, at which point you will need to return to your home country and apply for a new visa. Be aware that you will need to pay the I-901 fee (currently set at $200), set up an appointment at the local US embassy, and interview with the consular section. Should you be approved, you will be able to reenter the country and begin taking classes once again. Should you be denied, be aware that you will be unable to reenter the country under an F-1 visa.
Reviewed & Revised: February 2009
Student Services Office
Open the original version of this page.
Usablenet Assistive is a UsableNet product. Usablenet Assistive Main Page.