How to Reinstate F1 Status After 5 Months Abroad

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Key Takeaways:

Consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) to discuss eligibility and specific requirements for reinstating F1 status.
Gather required documents including Form I-539, new Form I-20, passport copy, financial proof, and a detailed explanation letter.
Submit the complete application, pay required fees, attend biometrics appointment, and wait several months for the USCIS decision.

How Can I Reinstate F1 Status After Being Out of the U.S. for Over 5 Months?

Finding yourself out of the U.S. for more than 5 months while on an F1 visa can certainly be a daunting experience. There are crucial steps to follow to reinstate your F1 status and continue your studies in the U.S.

How to Reinstate F1 Status After 5 Months Abroad

What Is the First Step to Reinstate F1?

Consult with Your Designated School Official (DSO)

The very first step you should take is to schedule an appointment with the Designated School Official (DSO) at your school’s international student office. During this meeting, you can discuss your eligibility for reinstatement and understand the specific requirements for your case.

What Documents Are Needed for Reinstatement?

Prepare Required Documentation

Compiling the necessary documents is essential for your USCIS application to reinstate your F1 status. Here’s a list of what you will need:

Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
Find the official Form I-539 here.
New Form I-20 issued for reinstatement purposes
Copy of your passport and previous visa
Copies of all previous I-20 forms
Proof of financial support
Official transcripts
A detailed letter explaining the circumstances of your status violation and why you deserve reinstatement

Make sure to double-check each document to ensure completeness and accuracy before submitting your application.

How Do I Pay the Required Fees?

Pay the Required Fees

For Form I-539, there is a filing fee of $370. Additionally, you must pay an $85 biometrics fee and a $350 SEVIS fee (I-901). Make sure you have paid all these fees to avoid any delays or complications in your application process.

Where Do I Submit My Application?

Submit Your Application

Once you have gathered all the required documentation and paid the necessary fees, you must mail your complete application package to the appropriate USCIS address. The details for where to send the package can be confirmed on the USCIS website.

What Happens After Submission?

Attend the Biometrics Appointment

USCIS will notify you about when and where to go for biometrics services. Make sure to attend this appointment as it is essential for the processing of your application.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision?

Wait for USCIS Decision

After attending your biometrics appointment, you will need to wait for the USCIS decision. Processing times can vary but expect it to take several months. Meanwhile, continue to maintain full-time enrollment in your school as your application is pending.

What If My Reinstatement Request Is Denied?

Be Prepared for a Possible Denial

Bear in mind that being out of status for more than 5 months makes reinstatement more challenging. To increase the chance of a successful reinstatement, you must demonstrate that:

The violation resulted from circumstances beyond your control.
You filed for reinstatement as promptly as possible under these circumstances.
Failure to reinstate would result in extreme hardship.

“Given the complexity of your situation, it’s highly recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney in addition to working with your DSO,” suggests experts at VisaVerge.com.

In case your reinstatement is denied, be prepared for the possibility of leaving the U.S. to re-enter with a new I-20 form to regain your F1 status.

Why Is Consulting an Attorney Important?

Consult an Immigration Attorney

An immigration attorney can help you navigate through the intricacies of the reinstatement process, ensuring that all your documentation is in order and improving your chances of a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

Reinstating your F1 status after being out of the U.S. for more than 5 months requires careful coordination with your DSO, meticulous preparation of documentation, and adherence to USCIS requirements. Although it can be a daunting task, with thorough preparation and professional consultation, you can increase your chances of successfully reinstating your F1 status and returning to your academic pursuits in the U.S.

For more detailed guidelines on the reinstatement process, visit the USCIS official page.

Learn Today:

Glossary

1. Designated School Official (DSO): An appointed school staff member responsible for assisting and overseeing the compliance of international students with U.S. immigration regulations, particularly those on F1 visas.
2. Form I-539: A form used by nonimmigrants in the U.S. to apply for an extension or change of their visa status. It’s required for students seeking to reinstate their F1 status after being out of compliance.
3. SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System): An online system used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to track and monitor schools, exchange visitor programs, and F1 and J1 visa holders while they are in the United States and pursuing their studies.
4. Biometrics: The process of collecting personal data such as fingerprints and photographs from visa applicants, used by USCIS to verify identities and conduct background checks as part of the application process.
5. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): The federal agency responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States, including processing visa applications, petitions, and other immigration-related requests.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Reinstating F1 status after 5+ months requires consulting your Designated School Official (DSO), assembling essential documents like Form I-539 and a new I-20, paying fees, and submitting your application to USCIS. Consulting an immigration attorney can aid your chances. Visit the USCIS official page for more details.
— By VisaVerge.com

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