How do I go from out of status to student status?

Question

How do I go from out of status to student status?

Anonymous Jun 24, 2015 3 views 3 answers

I came on F1. Dropped out of school for a year and went out of status during school Applied for reinstatement and went back to school. Graduated while waiting for reinstatement decision. Reinstatement got denied after a year. Now wanting to go back to do MS or some certification course to get back in legal status and get a new I-20. What do I need to do? Is it easy? Do I have to leave the country? Can anyone help me?

Carl Michael ShustermanImmigration AttorneyLos Angeles, CA · Answer 1 · 2026-06-15T15:09:02+00:00

Carl Michael ShustermanImmigration AttorneyLos Angeles, CA

Carl Michael ShustermanImmigration AttorneyLos Angeles, CA · Jun 15, 2026

Yes, you would have to go abroad to apply for a new F-1 visa. First, schedule an appointment with an experienced immigration attorney.

0 upvotes

Kelly Lynn RyanImmigration AttorneyDenver, CO · Answer 2 · 2026-06-15T15:09:02+00:00

In these situations, the student often has to leave the country to reapply. Consult with an immigration attorney before your departure to ensure that this is the right strategy for you.

Diane Lorena AburtoImmigration AttorneyMiami, FL · Answer 3 · 2026-06-15T15:09:02+00:00

I agree with my colleagues, unless there is some sort of exceptional circumstances, you would have to go abroad to reapply. There can be consequences to your departure so it is best to consult with an immigration attorney before any decisions are made. Good Luck!

How do I go from out of status to student status?

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