Contact International Student and Scholar Services
Additional information
- ISSS Front desk
8am–5pm Arizona time
- Non-medical emergency line 24/7
- Outside the US and Canada
Failure to maintain status
What happens if an F-1 student fails to maintain their status?
If an F-1 student fails to maintain their immigration status, their SEVIS record will be terminated according to regulations. In this situation a student is no longer eligible for any benefits of F-1 status such as on- or off-campus employment, travel signature for reentry to the United States, off-campus employment authorization, and any other benefits of F-1 status.
If a student has failed to maintain F-1 status, there are two options to regain status. These options should be discussed with an ISSS Advisor before making a decision, as each situation is unique.
Option 1: travel & reentry
A student, who has lost their F-1 status, can request a new I-20, travel out of the US, and re-enter on the new I-20.
Option 2: reinstatement
If the reason behind the student’s failure to maintain their status is out of their control, they may be eligible for reinstatement. However, not all reinstatement applications are approved by USCIS. Under any circumstances, a student who has a pending reinstatement must continue to maintain the regulatory requirements of their F-1 visa and must remain in the United States. There is no appeal process if the reinstatement is denied.