Frequently Asked Question

In general, to be eligible for reinstatement, the student must:

• Not be out of status for more than five months at the time of filing or show the exceptional circumstance that prevented filing in that time frame.
• Not have a record of repeated or willful violations of regulations.
• Not have worked without authorization.
• Be pursuing or intend to pursue a full course of study in the immediate future at your school.
• Not be deportable for any reason other than failing to maintain F-1 or M-1 status.

Be able to show that:

• Circumstances beyond the student’s control caused the status violation.
• Student fell below a full course load for a reason the DSO could have used to authorize a reduced course load, and the student would experience extreme hardship, if the student fails to get reinstatement.

For more info, visit the Official website of the Department of Homeland Security.