Regaining F-1 Status

Regaining F-1 Status

 

Students are responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of their visa status; refer to Maintaining F-1 Status for more information.

An F-1 student who has not properly maintained F-1 status must discuss their situation with an International Services immigration advisor. The student may need to apply to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for reinstatement or to travel outside the US and reenter on a new F-1 SEVIS record. 

As a result of a violation of status, a student's SEVIS record is terminated, and they are no longer eligible for travel signatures, changes of status, employment, or any other student benefits associated with the F-1 status.

Some of the most common status violations are as follows:

  • Not maintaining full-time registration
  • Not applying for a program extension before the program end date, if the extension is required to complete the program
  • Not obtaining a new I-20 when changing an educational program or degree level
  • Not requesting a transfer within the specified timeframe of the graduation date or practical training end date, within 60 days
  • Not reporting changes in address within 10 days of the address change
  • Unauthorized employment
    • Please note that working in the United States without appropriate authorization from International Services and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is a serious violation and may not be corrected through reinstatement or travel.

A student who suspects that they are out of status should contact International Services immediately by calling (225) 578-3191 to schedule an appointment with an immigration advisor.