F-1 Students: Beware of Falling Out of Status

Over the years, I have seen many cases of international students falling out of status for reasons that could have been avoided.  Typical scenarios include dropping below the required 12 units per term, or failure to pay tuition in time, as well as other seemingly minor violations. 

When an F-1 student falls out of status, there are usually two options for fixing the problem:

1) the student can leave the country and seek re-entry with a new Form I-20 provided by the university.  Depending on the situation, it may also be prudent to obtain a new visa at the U.S. consulate;

2) the student can apply to USCIS for reinstatement of their F-1 status.  Essentially, the student must then prove to USCIS that failure to maintain status occurred through circumstances beyond the student’s control.

Both courses of action involve risk and uncertainty, and it’s best to avoid having to go down either path.  I always advise students to be as proactive as possible in maintaining their status.  This involves being in regular contact with your international student office, and making sure that the advisors in that office have everything they need from you in order to maintain your record in the SEVIS system

If you require assistance with F-1 immigration issues, please contact one of our San Francisco Immigration Attorneys who can assist you.

Tags: F-1, I-20, international students, reinstatement, SEVIS
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