F-1 Reinstatement Policies & Procedures

If an F-1 student has overstayed the authorized period of stay on the Form I-20 or otherwise failed to maintain student status (e.g., not been enrolled for full-time study, etc.), he/she is "out of status" (i.e., "illegal") in the United States. Failure to maintain legal F-1 student status is a very serious matter which could lead to the deportation of an individual if it is not addressed in a timely manner. For information about what constitutes a violation of status and/or how to maintain your legal F-1 student status, see Maintaining Your Legal F-1 Status.

In order to be reinstated to legal F-1 status following a violation of status, an individual may submit the required application for reinstatement to the United States Citizenship & Immigration (CIS). It is important to note, however, that there are certain violations of status which generally render an individual ineligible for reinstatement (e.g., unauthorized/illegal employment). Furthermore, an individual is not eligible for reinstatement if he/she is in deportation proceedings. Approval of an application for reinstatement is solely at the discretion of the CIS officer adjudicating the application. While the reinstatement application is pending, the student can NOT work in any capacity whatsoever, on-campus or off-campus.

For detailed information about the reinstatement process, you will need to contact a staff member in the Office of International Student, Faculty, & Staff Services at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions to schedule an appointment.