Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Reinstatement for F-1 Students

An F-1 student who has overstayed their authorized period of stay or has otherwise failed to maintain F-1 student status may be reinstated to lawful F-1 status at the discretion of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district director.

The USCIS director may reinstate the student to lawful F-1 status if the student:

  • Establishes to the satisfaction of the USCIS director that the violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the student’s control or that failure to receive reinstatement to lawful F-1 status would result in extreme hardship to the student
  • Is currently pursuing, or intending to pursue, a full course of study at the school that issued the form I-20
  • Has not engaged in unauthorized employment
  • Is not deportable on any ground other than section 241(a)(1)(B) or (c)(i) of the Act {overstaying or failing to maintain status}. {8 CFR 214.2(f)(16)(i)}

Application procedure

  • Submit documents to the Office of International Affairs to get Reinstatement I-20 (Refer to Required Documents for 1-20 Issuance)
  • You must submit a completed Form I-539 to USCIS with “c” checked and “Reinstatement to student status” written in Part 2, item 1. You must upload the following documents to your online I-539:
    • Copy of all three pages of your new form I-20 with the “Reinstatement” annotation in section three. Be sure to hand-sign the I-20 before uploading.
    • Processing fee (input your credit card information to the I-539)
    • Receipt for paying I-901 Fee if you have been out of status for over five months. You may pay online or view other payment methods.
    • Copy of front and back of Form I-94 or printed copy of electronic Form I-94 card
    • Copy of admission stamp (if you received one)
    • Copies of previously issued Forms I-20 (if available)
    • Verification of financial support
    • Written statement of explanation addressed to USCIS stating the following:
      • Why the student is out of status (specify the violation)
      • The reason for the status violation
      • The effect on the student of failure to receive reinstatement
      • A statement that the student is currently pursuing or intends to pursue a full course of study

For more information, please see the instructions on the Form I-539. Note that you may still choose to file the Form I-539 by mail if you prefer.

Contact Student Legal Services to review your reinstatement application before submission.