Loss and Correction of F-1 Status

All students are expected to maintain their status and make normal progress toward their degree while studying at Arizona State University. Ultimately, maintaining status is the responsibility of the student. The loss of F-1 status will result in the resetting of eligibility for any F-1 benefits, such as Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training.

Reasons for loss of status

While students may fall out of status for any number of reasons, the most common are:

• Failure to maintain a full course of study.
• Failure to file for an extension in a timely manner. 
• Failure to complete the school transfer process in a timely manner.
• Accepting unauthorized off-campus employment.

How to correct status

If a student falls out of status, there are generally two ways to correct a terminated F-1 record.

1. Travel with a new initial I-20.
2. File a reinstatement application with USCIS without traveling.

Both types of status correction have risks, and therefore students will be required to speak with an international student advisor prior to action.

Travel with a new initial I-20

To travel with an initial I-20, students have the option to leave and re-enter the U.S. This process is called Travel to Assume status.

Student must:

1. Meet with an advisor regarding the process of traveling to assume status.
2. Meet the requirements of the returning student website, which includes providing proof of funding for a new initial I-20.
3. Depart the U.S. and re-enter. The student is required to obtain a new I-94 arrival record after their re-entry to the U.S.  
4. Submit their new I-94 to the ISSC and ISSC will issue a continuing registration I-20, correcting the student's record. 

This process will reset the eligibility requirements for CPT/OPT. After this process, you will need to participate in two consecutive academic terms of study to be eligible to apply for CPT/OPT. Please review our webpages for CPT and OPT eligibility requirements.

Filing a reinstatement

An F-1 student is only eligible for reinstatement with USCIS if conditions 1–5 and 6 or 7 apply:

1. The student has not been out of status more than five months at the time of filing the request for reinstatement.
2. The student does not have a record of repeated or willful violations of regulations.
3. The student is not deportable for any reason other than failing to maintain F-1 status.
4. The student is currently pursuing or intending to pursue a full course of study in the immediate future semester at the school which issued the Form I-20.
5. The student has not engaged in unauthorized employment.
   
   AND
6. The student is able to establish to the satisfaction of the USCIS that the violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the student’s control. Such circumstances might include serious injury or illness; closure of the institution; a natural disaster; or inadvertence, oversight or neglect on the part of the DSO.
   
   OR
7. The 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 they fail to get reinstatement.

How to Apply

Discuss reinstatement options and required documents.

Gather your documents and information prior to submitting the eForm

• You must clear any holds NOT placed by ISSC listed on My ASU Priority Tasks. Any outstanding financial and academic holds blocking enrollment must be removed before we can process your request.
• Biographical page of your passport - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements).
• Proof of Funding for one academic year

Once the ISSC issues your reinstatement I-20, you must submit your I-539 application for reinstatement with USCIS as soon as possible.

USCIS recommends applying for Reinstatement through their USCIS online application portal.

For detailed instructions on completing the application with USCIS, please refer to the Self-Guided Reinstatement Packet Review Canvas course.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the Canvas course is general guidance and should not be construed as formal legal advice. ISSC cannot guarantee the approval of your application to USCIS nor be held liable for the outcome of your application.

Premium Processing is not available for Reinstatement applications.

Review of Social Media: Please note that USCIS will review all applicants’ social media content as a part of the adjudication process. This could include anything you have posted, shared, reacted positively to, etc. Certain content may have a negative impact on your benefit request. Please see this April 9, 2025 USCIS announcement for more information as to what specific content may cause issues.

While your application is pending with USCIS

Please remember, USCIS processes and approves your application, NOT ASU. Therefore, you should contact USCIS regarding application issues and/or delays.

• You must be enrolled full time while your reinstatement is pending.
• It is not recommended to work an on-campus job while a reinstatement application is pending adjudication.
• You should not travel outside the U.S. while your reinstatement is pending. It may be considered an abandonment of the application. If you need to leave the U.S., meet with an ISSC advisor prior to travel.
• Any additional communications from USCIS must be shared with ISSC upon receipt, including Receipt Notice and Confirmation/Denial of application.

Final considerations

• A decision to reinstate your F-1 status is at the discretion of the USCIS.
• Processing time at USCIS can take 8–10 months or longer. Please check your status on the USCIS website periodically in case a Request for Further Evidence is issued to you.
• The ISSC will contact you if we receive any updates on your behalf.
• Any F-2 dependent statuses are automatically reinstated with the reinstatement of the F-1 student.
• If approved, the ISSC will receive notice from USCIS and issue you an updated I-20.
• If denied, it is suggested that you leave the U.S. immediately, as you will begin to accrue days of unlawful presence in the U.S. Accrual of more than 180 days of unlawful presence could subject a person to a three- to 10-year ban from re-entering the U.S. If you wish to file an appeal with the USCIS, please consult with an experienced immigration attorney.
• Denial of a reinstatement application results in the automatic cancellation of your F-1 visa, if it had not previously expired or been revoked.