Reinstatement to F-1 Student Status

If you have violated the terms and conditions of your F-1 student status and your record was terminated or completed, you may make a reinstatement request to USCIS to attempt to regain Active Status. You will only be considered for reinstatement as an F-1 student if can establish the following to USCIS:

The violation of status was due solely to circumstances beyond your control or that failure to be approved for reinstatement would result in extreme hardship
You are pursuing a full course of study at Elmhurst University
You have not been employed without authorization
You are not in removal proceedings

If you would like to seek Reinstatement

Prepare a typed, written statement requesting reinstatement which explains that the violation of student status resulted from circumstances beyond your control and/or that the failure to be reinstated would result in extreme hardship. Your letter should be brief and to the point. Any documentation that supports your claim should be attached.
Schedule an appointment with an ISS staff member to discuss the circumstances behind your loss of status and Reinstatement request. Attach your typed letter and supporting documentation.
- ISS staff reserves the right to choose whether or not to support a current student’s reinstatement and will reach a decision based on a variety of factors. Choosing to support a current student’s Reinstatement is not a prediction or indicator of a positive result – only USCIS determines whether or not a Reinstatement request can be approved.
- Students also have the option to obtain a new SEVIS record, which will require departure from the US and re-entry into the US with a valid visa. Both options will be discussed in a Reinstatement meeting.
If ISS agrees to support your application you will be able to proceed with the Reinstatement application process, as well as will receive a DSO letter of support to attach to your internal SEVIS Reinstatement I-20 Request Form.
- You need to submit a Reinstatement request as soon as possible (but not to exceed 5 months from termination of SEVIS record to USCIS receipt of Reinstatement application).
- Due to the complicated and often changing nature of Reinstatement and USCIS processing, ISS does not complete nor advise on the I-539 Reinstatement application with the student. Students are advised to contact an immigration attorney if they require assistance with the USCIS application.
At this time, Elmhurst University does not support Reinstatement for incoming students and will only consider Reinstatement support for current Elmhurst University students

DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REINSTATEMENT TO USCIS WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING DSO SUPPORT AND A REINSTATEMENT REQUESTED I-20.

Reinstatement Application Process

Step 1: Internal (Elmhurst University) Process

Note: A Reinstatement Requested I-20 is required for the USCIS application. Submitting an application without the Reinstatement Requested I-20 will result in denial of your application by USCIS.

Log-in to MyElmhurst Portal
Click the Etrieve Forms app
Log-in to Etrieve Forms via Okta (blue circle icon)

Click the “SEVIS I-20 Reinstatement Request” form

Complete all sections of the student form
- Make sure to attach the following:
  - Proof of full course load enrollment for the current/following semester(s)
  - Original, current financial documents verifying availability of adequate funds to cover designated Elmhurst University I-20 amount (tuition and fees, living expenses, and medical insurance).
    - Bank letters and/or statements must not be older than 6 months.
  - Completed Elmhurst University Declaration of Finances/Affidavit of Support form
    - Student completes student section
    - If utilizing a sponsor bank statement, Sponsor completes the sponsor section and confirms funding amount (student confirms amount if not utilizing sponsor funds)
  - Other documents required for the External (USCIS) Process (see Step 2)
- Click “submit” when your application is complete and all required documents are attached
- ISS will receive the completed form to provide a final review
- If Reinstatement was previously discussed and confirmed to be supported and the form is complete with all required documents ISS will issue a “Reinstatement Requested” I-20
  - If Reinstatement was not previously discussed or agreed upon your application will be denied and a “Reinstatement Requested” I-20 will not be issued.

Step 2: External (USCIS) Process

Create a USCIS Account
Log-in to your USCIS Account
Select the Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
You will be guided to complete the relevant parts of your Form I-539
- Submit required documents, which could include
  - Letters (Student & DSO)
  - DSO Letter of Support
  - I-94
  - Proof of Current Registration
  - Clear copy of financial documents
  - Clear copy of passport & visa
- Pay your filing fee online
- Submit your application to USCIS
- You will receive near-instant notification of application receipt in your USCIS online account
  - Please email a copy of your receipt to ISS

After Submitting Your Reinstatement Application

Reinstatement applications can take up to 12 months or longer to be reviewed. There is no guarantee of success or a decision before you complete your academic program.
You must remain enrolled in a full course load per F-1 regulations
You must remain active in your academic program and meet all program requirements
You must remain in the U.S.
- Departure from the U.S. will result in the cancellation of your Reinstatement Application
If you are issued an RFE (Request for Evidence) please email to ISS right away

If Approved:

Please send ISS your notice of approval right away
You will be issued an Active, Continued Attendance I-20
All time spent studying in a full course load (required) while your Reinstatement application was pending will count positively towards your F-1 status and immigration record

If Denied:

Please send ISS your notice of denial right away
USCIS requires you to depart the U.S. as soon as possible, but no later than 15 days
Time spent studying while your Reinstatement application was pending will likely not count positively towards your F-1 status and immigration record, and will instead be counted as accruing days of unlawful presence, which can lead to further immigration issues and bars.

If you complete your academic program while your Reinstatement application is still pending:

You should prepare to depart the U.S. within 60 days of your academic program completion if a decision is not reached
If a decision is reached within the 60-day period you may be able to apply for Post-Completion OPT. If not, you will be required to depart the U.S. by the 60^th day

As with all immigration applications, you should keep copies of all documents submitted. A decision to reinstate an individual to F-1 student status is completely at the discretion of USCIS. If the application is approved, USCIS will mail a confirmation form with the approval decision. F-2 dependent status is automatically reinstated with the reinstatement of the F-1 student. Please inform OISS of the outcome.