STEPS FOR APPLYING FOR REINSTATEMENT
If you have violated your status, make an appointment to meet with an official in the Office of Global Education and Programs (OGEP), who will discuss the matter and make an assessment as to the appropriateness of pursuing reinstatement. If the director recommends reinstatement, then submit to OGEP the following materials:
- All the documents necessary to issue a new Form I-20, including updated financial support documents
- A letter of explanation addressed to CIS specifying why you are out of status, the effect on you for failure to receive reinstatement, a statement indicating that you currently pursue or intend to pursue a full course of study, and specifically request that CIS reinstate you to F-1 status
- A completed and signed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/i-539.pdf) You may also locate this form on the OGEP page titled “Forms.” Write in Part 2, item 1 the phrase “reinstatement to F-1 status.”
- Check or money order for $300 (amount subject to change; check with GEP before submission.)
Materials to Submit with a Reinstatement Application
1. Form I-539...at top: REINSTATEMENT
2. Form I-539 fee, made payable to BCIS
3. Form I-20
4. Student letter explaining why he/she is out of status and requesting reinstatement I-20
5. PDSO Letter recommending reinstatement
6. Verification of Finances Form and/or Affidavit of Support
7. Original Form I-94
8. Any other documentation that might help to support or substantiate the student’s appeal for reinstatement (e.g., student sponsor’s bank statement and letter from sponsor’s employer indicating employment status and salary—if finances were the primary reason for losing status.
Upon submission of the above-mentioned documents, OGEP will prepare a reinstatement application packet, which you must submit to USCIS. Here is the mailing address:
USCIS
Attn: I-539
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001