Banner Link to UK International Center

Out of status?


Reinstatement of Status
F-1 students who have overstayed their authorized period or have otherwise failed to maintain F-1 student status for fewer than 5 months may be reinstated to lawful F-1 status. Students may apply to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for reinstatement only if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond their control. Reinstatement is intended to be a rare benefit for exceptional cases. If the request is denied, the decision may not be appealed.

Students must submit the Reinstatement Request to 214 Bradley Hall after proving that they:

  • are currently pursuing, or intend to pursue, a full course of study at a school which issued the I-20,
  • have not been employed without authorization,
  • have established that their failure to maintain student status was due to circumstances beyond their control or that failure to receive reinstatement would result in extreme hardship,
  • have not been out of status for more then 5 months, and
  • are not deportable on any ground other than overstaying or failing to maintain status.