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

International Engagement
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-539 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)