F-1: Reinstatement Information

F-1 students who fail to maintain legal status are considered to be "Out of Status".  An F1 student that is "out of status"must apply for "reinstatement" to CIS.  Students should make an appointment with an ISS Immigration Counselor to prepare the following paperwork:

  • Reinstatement I-20

  • I-94 card

  • Passport copies (identification page & visa)

  • Proof of financial support

  • Letter explaining how the situation was beyond the individual's control or how failure to be reinstated will lead to undue hardship to the student

  • Letter from ISS counselor supporting the reinstatement application

  • $300.00 money order or cashier check, made payable to DHS

  • CIS Form I-539

  • Transcripts

The aforementioned materials are mailed to the California Service Center by the ISS counselor.