Reinstatement to F-1 Status - Office of International Programs and Services

F-1 students who fail to maintain their status and are eligible to continue studies at George Mason in the current or next available term have two methods of correcting their status:

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): 8CFR 214.2(f)(16)

Students can apply for an I-20 to use for their Reinstatement application to USCIS. However, OIPS does not advise students on reinstatement process with USCIS. Once we have determined that an application for an I-20 for Reinstatement is acceptable, we will issue the I-20 to the student.* Please consult with your immigration attorney on your Reinstatement application to USCIS.

*We do not issue reinstatement I-20s to transfer-in students.

The information below covers student options and a list of documents that might be required for a Reinstatement application. Consult with your immigration attorney and visit the USCIS website for official information on all Reinstatement requirements.

You may travel out of the U.S. and re-enter with an "initial attendance" I-20. By doing this you are "starting over" with your F-1 visa status. Immigration Services recognizes this method as a valid way to correct your status. If your current visa in your passport is valid, you may not have to apply for a new visa. The penalty for this type of status correction is that you will not be eligible for any kind of off-campus work until after you have returned and maintained your F-1 status for another academic year. To pursue this option, please submit a new Certificate of Financial Responsibility with foreign address section completed, and an updated bank statement for one year of funding, with the prospect of more funding for future years.

Step 1: Discuss with an Immigration Attorney the benefits and drawbacks of options A and B as discussed above.

Step 2: If deciding on Option A, Reinstatement in the U.S., submit required documents to OIPS:

Certificate of Financial Responsibilityand Proof of Funding
Letter to OIPS (no more than 2-3 paragraphs) explaining why you lost status, including information about events beyond your control and how you will be able to maintain full-time status in the current or next available term
Proof of enrollment in the current and next available term (screenshot from Patriotweb)

Step 3: Submit Reinstatement I-20 request in OIPS Submission Form .

Upon submission of documents and information, we will determine if the Reinstatement I-20 can be issued.

Step 4: Upon receipt of the Reinstatement I-20, Work with an immigration attorney to complete USCIS form I-539 and gather required documents for USCIS

Copy of New SEVIS I-20 for F-1 Reinstatement, p. 1 and p. 2
Cover letter to USCIS explaining:
1. 1. The reason for the violation of F-1 status and why it was beyond your control;
  2. How you intend to maintain full-time enrollment and F1 status in the future
  3. Statement that you have not worked without authorization;
  4. If you have a complex situation, a timeline of events can also be helpful to clarify your situation.

Any additional documentation that supports your explanation
Form I-539 from uscis.gov
Proof of funding
Proof of SEVIS payment
Application fee for reinstatement
Transcripts and proof of enrollment
Copy of I-94 front and back (white card) or printout from cbp.gov
Copy of your visa in your passport
Copy(ies) of picture and expiration pages of the passport
Copy of all previously issued I-20 forms
Biometrics. When applying for reinstatement, you will usually receive a biometrics appointment notice from USCIS.

Option A

Option B

F-1 Reinstatement in the U.S. Process

A list of suggested documents can be found below. However, consult with an immigration attorney about official requirements:

Next Steps