Applying for Reinstatement

F-1 students can fail to maintain status (i.e., lose their F-1 status) in several ways, for example, through unauthorized employment, not meeting full-time enrollment requirements, or not requesting a program extension. If the F1 students are out of status, they have the option to request a reinstatement to F-1 status from USCIS. This can be done while the student remains in the U.S. and continues studying.

Please gather the following documents and make an appointment with the Immigration & Advising Coordinator at the Office of International Engagement at international@uni.edu

Required Documents for Reinstatement

Affidavit of Support (if financial statements are in the names of someone other than the student)
Original bank statement (The bank statement must be less than 6 months old, original and in English)
Copy of I-94 (print a copy of I-94)
Copy of Passport page
Copy of Visa
Copies of all previous I-20s or DS-2019s
I-539 application (Go to www.uscis.gov, click on "Forms" and search for I-539)
Use the following address for Part One of the form
University of Northern Iowa
International Engagement
113 Maucker Union
Cedar Falls, 50614-0164
Letter explaining why you should be reinstated, including the reason your record was terminated
Official and original acceptance letter from the academic program
USD application fee: paper filing fee $470 for I-359 in the form of a personal check or money order, payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or an online filing fee of $420
I-20 (Provided by the Immigration & Advising Coordinator during your appointment)

Mailing the Reinstatement Packet

You will be provided with the mailing address at your appointment with the Immigration & Advising Coordinator

Important Notes

You must continue to study while your reinstatement is pending.
It often takes four (4) to six (6) months to process the reinstatement application
You must submit your reinstatement application within five (5) months of your termination
If you leave the country while your application is pending, your application will be considered "abandoned" and it will be canceled.
You may check the progress of your application at www.uscis.gov
(Click on "Check your case status" and enter the receipt number found on the back of your check)