SEVIS terminated? Get a clear plan for F-1 reinstatement, fast.
Losing status is scary. You don't have to figure it out alone. We find a school that can support you, and our partner attorneys handle the reinstatement request.
Academic consulting, not legal advice. Immigration legal work is done by our partner law firm.
What to do in the first days.
Don't ignore emails or letters from your school or from USCIS. Save every document. Don't travel outside the U.S. before speaking with an attorney. And reach out soon: reinstatement requests are generally expected within a limited time after you fall out of status, so every week counts.
Common reasons students fall out of status
- Dropping below a full course load without authorization
- Unauthorized work
- Missing a transfer or reporting deadline
- Unpaid tuition that led to termination
- A school or SEVIS error
Your reason matters. It shapes what your attorney recommends.
How we help
Free consultation
We understand what happened and your dates.
Attorney review
Our partner law firm evaluates your case and tells you your options, which may or may not include reinstatement.
A school that can support you
Reinstatement usually requires a school willing to issue a new I-20 and support your request. We search our network for that school.
Enrollment
We handle the admission and documents on the school side.
Legal filing
Our partner attorneys prepare and file the reinstatement request with USCIS.
An honest note
Reinstatement is never automatic, and no one can promise an approval. What you can control is acting early, with correct documents and a real plan. That's what we give you.
What does "SEVIS terminated" mean?
It means your school ended your F-1 record in SEVIS. The reason recorded matters, and it affects your options.
Can I apply for reinstatement myself?
Anyone can research the process, but it's a legal request. We strongly recommend an attorney review. Ours will.
Do I need a new school?
Sometimes your current school can support you. Sometimes a new school is the better path. We help with either.
Can I work or study while reinstatement is pending?
Rules are strict here. Ask your attorney before doing anything.
What are my chances?
No honest person can give you a number. Your attorney will explain what helps and what hurts in your specific case.
Related guides
Short, sourced guides on the topics students ask us about most.
Work7 min readUpdated Sep 2026
Can You Work on an F-1 Visa? What Is Allowed and What Is Not
Yes, F-1 students can work, but only in specific, authorized ways. Here is what is allowed, what needs permission first, and what can cost you your status.
Read the guide
Life in the U.S.6 min readUpdated Sep 2026
Life as an F-1 Student in the U.S.: What Nobody Tells You
The rules, the rent and the loneliness nobody mentions. An honest guide to daily life on an F-1 student visa, from your first week to the day you finish.
Read the guide
Academic consulting, not legal advice. Immigration legal work is done by our partner law firm.
