/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Loss of Status and Reinstatement Options

If you do not maintain your F-1 status, your SEVIS record may be terminated. This means you are out of status.

When you are out of status:

  • You cannot work on campus
  • You are not eligible for CPT or OPT
  • You cannot travel and reenter using F-1 status
  • You lose all F-1 benefits

You should act quickly to resolve your status. Delays may affect your ability to obtain future visas or immigration benefits.

You generally have two options:

  • Apply for Reinstatement within the U.S.
  • Travel and reenter the U.S. in F-1 status

You should speak with Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) before choosing an option.

Option 1: Apply for Reinstatement

What This Means

You request that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) restore your F-1 status while you remain in the United States.

Basic Eligibility

You may be eligible if:

  • You have been out of status for less than 5 months, or you can explain a delay
  • Your violation was beyond your control (for example, illness or administrative error)
  • You do not have repeated or intentional violations
  • You are currently enrolled full-time or plan to enroll full-time
  • You have not worked without authorization
Important Considerations
  • You must request a reinstatement I-20 from VIS
  • USCIS processing and adjudication can take 12 months or longer
  • You must stay enrolled full-time while your application is pending
  • You cannot travel outside the U.S. during this process
  • You are not eligible for F-1 benefits (including employment) until approved
  • If you complete your program before a decision is made, speak with an immigration attorney

Option 2: Travel and Reentry

What This Means

You leave the United States and return in F-1 status using a new or valid F-1 visa.

How It Works
  • Request a new Initial I-20 from VIS (with a new SEVIS number)
  • Pay a new SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Travel outside the U.S.
  • Reenter the U.S. in F-1 status
Important Considerations
  • This option may be faster than reinstatement
  • You regain F-1 status only after you reenter the U.S. successfully
  • Admission is decided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • You may need to apply for a new F-1 visa, depending on your situation
  • Apply for a visa in your home country when possible
  • Prior status violations may affect your visa or entry
  • If you have less than one academic year remaining, you may not be eligible for CPT or OPT
  • If you are unsure about your case, consult an immigration attorney before traveling

Option 3: Remain in the U.S. Out of Status

This option is not recommended.

If you remain in the U.S. without valid status:

  • You are not eligible for any F-1 benefits
  • You may face serious immigration consequences, including removal proceedings
  • You may have difficulty returning to the U.S. in the future

If you are considering this option, speak with a qualified immigration attorney to understand the risks.

Next Steps

Your situation is unique. Contact Visa and Immigration Services to review your options and determine the best path forward.