F-1 Reinstatement vs. Travel and Re-entry Comparison Chart
An F-1 student in the U.S. who fails to maintain their student status has two choices if they endeavor to regain their student status:
1) Apply for Reinstatement of student status; or 2) Travel abroad, then re-enter the U.S. in a valid student status.
The Reinstatement process, which takes place while the student remains in the U.S., has certain advantages, but departing the U.S. and re-entering may be preferred depending on the circumstances.
F-1 Reinstatement vs. Travel and Re-entry Comparison Chart
| Reinstatement in the U.S. | Travel and Re-entry
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| Advantages |
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| Disadvantages |
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Choosing Between Reinstatement in the U.S. and Reentry travel
Each option carries risk. If the reinstatement application is denied, the student loses their student status in the short term and is required to depart the U.S. immediately (or file a motion to reconsider/reopen). If a student that departs the U.S. and seeks reentry is denied a visa or admission to the U.S. at a port of entry, they may face both current and additional future barriers to reentry in the future.
During the Covid-19 era, during which border can close on short notice and traveling overseas is inadvisable, most students who are eligible choose to pursue Reinstatement rather than travel and re-entry. The primary reason being that pursuing reinstatement allows them to continue their studies from within the U.S.
F-1 students that believe they may be out of status should speak to their academic institution’s DSO immediately. In particularly complicated cases, the assistance of an immigration attorney experienced in F-1 Reinstatements should be obtained.
