info@kasturilaw.com

Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
29 South Webster Street, Suite 370 Naperville,
IL 60540

Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

Looking for an Attorney to Guide Your F-1 Reinstatement?

At Kasturi Law, LLC, Shobhana Kasturi, our Naperville and Schaumburg immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, represents clients in DuPage, Cook, and Will Counties throughout Illinois and nationwide.

Shobhana is a proud first-generation immigrant who practices immigration law to give a voice to those who most need it — including those seeking reinstatement of F1 status.

Students from all over the world come to the United States to study using an F1 visa. This non-immigrant visa allows individuals to enter the United States for full-time academic study at accredited colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, or other institutions.

This visa is specifically intended for students pursuing academic programs and is granted for their study program, including any authorized practical training before or after their studies.

Gavel with 'IMMIGRATION' text and scales of justice, symbolizing F-1 visa legal services.

How Do F-1 Visa Students Fail to Maintain Their Status?

F1 students can fail to maintain their status in various ways, including:

  • Failing to maintain an entire course of study without proper authorization. This involves taking less than the required number of credits or dropping below full-time status without approval from the designated school official.
  • Unable to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses, students experience economic difficulties that affect their ability to stay enrolled.
  • Working off-campus without proper authorization, exceeding the allowed hours for on-campus employment, or engaging in unauthorized employment during breaks or after completing studies.
  • Failing to promptly report changes in address, academic program, or other significant changes to the designated school official (DSO), as required by immigration regulations.
  • Violating other terms or conditions of their visa status, such as overstaying the authorized period, failing to maintain a valid passport, or engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa status.
  • Involvement in criminal activities that result in legal troubles or convictions can jeopardize their visa status.
  • Not departing the United States within the required time frame after completing the academic program or any authorized practical training period.

Failure to maintain F1 status can have serious consequences, including loss of legal status, deportation, and difficulties obtaining future visas to enter the United States. Therefore, F1 students must understand and adhere to the regulations governing their visa status.

If you seek legal advice on reinstating your F-1 status so that you can resume your studies, Kasturi Law can help, starting with an initial consultation.

How Can I File for Reinstatement of F-1 Status in the United States?

Before applying for reinstatement, ensure that you are eligible. Generally, you must have not been out of status for more than five months when filing the reinstatement application, have not engaged in unauthorized employment, and have not committed any other serious violations.

Next:

  • Prepare Form I-539

Complete Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This form is used for reinstatement applications for F-1 status. Provide accurate and detailed information about your situation, including why you failed to maintain status and your plan to comply with F-1 regulations.

  • Gather Supporting Documents

Collect supporting documents to accompany your reinstatement application. This may include a letter explaining your situation, evidence of financial support, transcripts or enrollment verification, and other relevant documentation.

  • Pay the Fee

Include the required filing fee with your application.

  • Wait for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Decision

After USCIS receives your application, they will review it and decide on your reinstatement request. This process may take several months, so be prepared to wait for a response.

  • Comply with Requirements

If your reinstatement application is approved, comply with all F-1 regulations to maintain your status. This includes maintaining an entire course of study, refraining from unauthorized employment, and reporting changes to your DSO.

Our immigration attorneys also focus on the following areas:

Do You Need Help Applying for Reinstatement of Your F-1 Status?

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our immigration practice is driven by the desire to give a voice to those who most need it, including those seeking to have their F-1 status reinstated.

Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation that suits your needs.

Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes. We value your time and want to ensure that your immigration questions receive the attention they deserve, helping you confidently move forward.

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