My F1 status was terminated, what should I do?

When I was at the University of Alabama (UA), one of my coursemates lost his F1 visa because he worked more hours than allowed.

This broke the strict rules for F1 visa holders. Many international students don’t realize how serious these rules are.

Even a small mistake, like working without permission, can lead to visa termination.

Losing your visa means you can no longer stay or study in the U.S. If this happens to you, here’s what you need to know and do.

What happens if your f1 visa is terminated?

If your F1 visa status is terminated, you lose the legal right to stay in the U.S. and are considered out of status.

Your SEVIS record will be cancelled, and all privileges tied to your F1 visa will end.

You won’t qualify for off-campus work programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

And, if you’re already working, you must stop immediately as your work authorization is cancelled.

Any pending applications for work permits or extensions will be denied. You’ll also lose the option to extend or change your visa status while in the U.S.

In addition, you’ll forfeit access to any scholarships, grants, or financial aid tied to your enrollment.

Any legal protections offered by your visa, like the ability to transfer schools or extend your program, will be voided.

Without status, you also lose the ability to convert to other visa types without first leaving the country.

Furthermore, your F-2 dependents (spouse and children) will also lose their status and will leave the U.S.

You’ll no longer be able to access student benefits, like on-campus housing or health insurance from your school.

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You’ll lose access to benefits like Social Security Number (SSN) privileges tied to your F-1 visa.

If you have any travel plans to exit and re-enter the U.S., they’ll be invalid, as your F-1 visa becomes void.

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The termination will be part of your immigration history and can make getting another visa to the USA hard.

Lastly, you’ll be required to leave the U.S. “immediately” unless you resolve your status quickly.

Your F1 visa will be terminated if you don’t follow its rules, like if you don’t remain enrolled full-time or work without proper authorization.

F1 status terminated what should I do?

If your F-1 visa is terminated, here’s what you should do:

• Contact your Designated School Official (DSO): Your Designated School Official (DSO) will help you check the reason for the termination and know if you can do anything about it (like if you have a reinstatement option).
• Understand the cause of termination: Your F1 status can be terminated if you fail to enrol full-time, work without authorization, or don’t maintain good academic performance.
• Check if you can go for reinstatement: Ask your DSO if you’re eligible for reinstatement. Reinstatement is a process where you request the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to restore your F1 status. If the termination was due to circumstances beyond your control, you’ll qualify for reinstatement. However, before your status is reinstated, you must prove that: there was nothing you could have done about the termination and that you’re still pursuing or intend to pursue a full course of study.
• Apply for reinstatement: Work with your DSO to file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS. Include documents like your I-20, academic transcripts, proof of funds, and an explanation letter, stating the reason for the termination.
• Transfer to another SEVP-certified school: If reinstatement isn’t an option, you can transfer to another SEVP-certified school. During transfer, you’ll receive a new I-20 to continue your studies under a new SEVIS record.
• Leave the U.S. voluntarily: If reinstatement, transfer or staying isn’t feasible, you need to leave the country. Leaving voluntarily will help you avoid penalties or re-entry bans.

If an international student falls out of status, the student will lose their legal right to stay in the US and are expected to leave the country ASAP.