Students who have fallen out of valid F-1 status may be eligible to apply to USCIS for reinstatement to F-1 student status.
Reinstatement is different from a regular SEVIS transfer. Students who are currently maintaining valid F-1 status at another SEVP-certified school should apply as Transfer Students. Students whose SEVIS record has been terminated, or who are no longer maintaining valid F-1 status, may need to apply for reinstatement.
American Language Center may accept reinstatement applicants after reviewing their academic, immigration, and financial documents. Acceptance by American Language Center does not guarantee that USCIS will approve the reinstatement application.
Who Should Use This Page
This page applies to students who:
- are currently in the United States;
- previously held F-1 student status;
- are no longer maintaining valid F-1 status or have a terminated SEVIS record;
- wish to study full-time at American Language Center; and
- plan to apply to USCIS for reinstatement to F-1 status.
If you are currently in valid F-1 status at another SEVP-certified school, please visit the Transfer Students page.
If you are outside the United States, please visit the Overseas Applicants page.
If you are in the United States in another visa status and are applying to change to F-1 status, please visit the Change of Status page.
Required Documents
In addition to the International Student Checklist on the F-1 Students page, please provide the following:
- Copies of all previously issued Forms I-20;
- Completed Transfer Authorization Form, found in the Forms section;
- The Transfer Authorization Form helps American Language Center collect previous-school and SEVIS information. It does not guarantee that a regular SEVIS transfer is possible.
- Copy of your F-1 visa, if available;
- Copy of your most recent I-94;
- Transcripts, attendance records, or enrollment records from your previous U.S. school;
- Any USCIS notices or immigration documents related to your case, including any prior change of status approval, if applicable;
- A letter or email explaining why you fell out of status and what you will do differently in the future.
American Language Center may request additional documents before deciding whether to issue a reinstatement Form I-20.
Personal Explanation Letter or Email
Reinstatement applicants must submit a written explanation of their situation.
- The explanation should include:
- why you fell out of F-1 status;
- when the problem happened;
- whether the issue was caused by circumstances beyond your control;
- what you have done to correct the situation; and
- what you will do differently in the future to maintain F-1 status.
We strongly recommend that reinstatement applicants hire a qualified immigration attorney to help prepare and file the reinstatement application.
American Language Center can provide school documents related to admission and Form I-20 issuance, but we cannot provide legal advice, prepare the USCIS application, or guarantee USCIS approval.
Important Reinstatement Requirements
USCIS may consider reinstatement if the student meets the requirements under federal F-1 regulations, including that the student:
- has not been out of status for more than five months, unless exceptional circumstances apply;
- does not have a record of repeated or willful violations;
- is pursuing, or will pursue, a full course of study;
- has not engaged in unauthorized employment; and
- is not deportable on grounds other than failure to maintain F-1 status.
USCIS makes the final decision on reinstatement. If USCIS does not approve the reinstatement application, the decision cannot be appealed.
Attendance and Maintaining F-1 Requirements
Students accepted by American Language Center for reinstatement must attend classes and follow school policies while the reinstatement application is pending.
Although USCIS has not yet approved the reinstatement application, students must conduct themselves consistently with F-1 requirements while the application is pending. This means the student must:
- begin attending classes by the program start date listed on the Form I-20;
- attend full time;
- maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress;
- avoid unauthorized employment;
- keep contact information current with the school; and
- follow all American Language Center policies.
Failure to attend classes or follow school requirements may affect American Language Center’s ability to continue supporting the reinstatement application.
Reinstatement Process
Step 1: Contact American Language Center
Contact the admissions office and explain that you are seeking reinstatement to F-1 status.
Email: F1@americanlc.org
Step 2: Submit Admissions Documents
Submit the International Student Checklist documents and the additional reinstatement documents listed above.
Step 3: Document Review
American Language Center will review your admissions, financial, academic, and immigration documents.
Step 4: Acceptance and Form I-20
If accepted, American Language Center may issue a Form I-20 for reinstatement with the International Student Advisor/DSO recommendation.
Step 5: File Form I-539 With USCIS
The student is responsible for filing Form I-539 and all required supporting documents with USCIS.
American Language Center does not file the reinstatement application for the student.
Students may visit the USCIS Form I-539 page for general USCIS information:
Step 6: Attend Classes While the Application Is Pending
Students must attend classes full time and follow school policies while USCIS reviews the reinstatement application.
Step 7: USCIS Decision
USCIS will make the final decision.
If reinstatement is approved, the student must continue maintaining F-1 status.
If reinstatement is denied, the student should contact a qualified immigration attorney immediately.
Important Notice
American Language Center can review admissions documents and issue school documents when appropriate. We cannot provide legal advice, prepare the USCIS application, or guarantee that USCIS will approve reinstatement.
Students with complicated immigration histories, long periods out of status, unauthorized employment, prior denials, or removal-related issues should speak with a qualified immigration attorney before applying.
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