F-2 Dependent Spouse or Child of F-1 Student
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Reinstatement To F-1 Student Status
A student who has failed to maintain F-1 student status and who wishes to return to or transfer to SUNY Brockport must apply for and be granted reinstatement to F-1 student status by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Maintaining F-1 student status means that you have been a full-time student and have not overstayed the authorized period of stay as identified on your I-20 form. If you have taken less than a full course of study, not extended your I-20 or not completed the F-1 transfer procedure, you are likely out-of-status and must apply for reinstatement before you can be granted any additional benefits from the INS (e.g. authorization to accept practical training). A student who has worked without authorization is also out of status, but is not eligible for reinstatement. If you think that you may be out of status, please consult with ISS immediately. The longer you wait to address the problem the more difficult it can become.
The reinstatement application includes the following documents:
- A completed I-539 Form with the $120 filing fee (the check should be made payable to INS).
- A newly obtained I-20 Form issued by ISS.
- A copy of your previous I-20 Form.
- Your original I-94 Form.
- Evidence of continued funding.
- A written statement requesting reinstatement that explains that the violation of student status resulted from circumstances beyond your control and/or that the failure to be reinstated would result in extreme hardship. Any documentation that supports your claim should be attached.
ISS will review your letter prior to your submitting the application. Do not apply for reinstatement without first speaking with an ISS adviser.
Applications for reinstatement are sent to the INS district office in Vermont. The address is:
USINS Eastern Service Center
75 Lower Weldon Street,
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001
As with all INS applications, you should keep copies of all documents submitted. A decision to reinstate an individual to F-1 student status is completely at the discretion of the INS. If the application is approved, INS endorses the new I-20 Form, retains pages 1-2 for transmittal to the INS Data Processing Center, and returns the I-20 Form (page 3-4) to you along with the I-94 Form. F-2 dependent status is automatically reinstated with the reinstatement of the F-1 student.
Again, if you think you may be out-of-status, please consult with ISS at your earliest convenience.
