If you have failed to maintain F-1 student status and wish to continue studying at Harrisburg University, you must regain valid status. Harrisburg University does not accept Terminated or Completed SEVIS records for a Request for Reinstatement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must leave the U.S. and re-enter using a new I-20 with a new SEVIS number.

Those planning to transfer to another institution must apply for reinstatement through the new school using the I-20 from that school.

Reasons why a student may fall out of F-1 student status:

  • Failure to extend I-20 before the expiration deadline
  • Failure to complete the F-1 transfer procedure in a timely manner
  • Failure to take less than a full course of study without prior written authorization from the International Student Office (ISO) for an excusable academic or medical reason under F-1 regulations
  • A student who has worked without authorization is also out of status, but is not eligible for reinstatement

If you think you may be out of status, please contact ISO immediately by opening a New Support Ticket.

The longer you wait to address the problem, the more difficult it can become to fix. Furthermore, only students in valid F-1 status are eligible for F-1 benefits from the USCIS (e.g. CPT or OPT authorization).


Correcting F1 status by filing form I-539 for Reinstatement


In some circumstances, where a violation of F1 status was outside of a student's control, the student may file form I-539 for reinstatement of F1 status. 


In general, to be eligible for reinstatement, the student must:


  • Not be out of status for more than five months at the time of filing.
  • Not have violated F1 status within the first semester.
  • Not have a record of repeated or willful violations of regulations; Reinstatement option will not be offered for students who have violated F1 status more than once at HU.
  • Not have worked without authorization.
  • Be pursuing or intend to pursue a full course of study in the immediate future at HU.
  • Not be deportable for any reason other than failing to maintain F-1 status.
  • Be able to show that:
    • Circumstances beyond the student’s control caused the status violation.
    • Student fell below a full course load for a reason the DSO could have used to authorize a reduced course load, and the student would experience extreme hardship, if the student fails to get reinstatement.


Please work with the International Student Office to determine your eligibility to apply for reinstatement.