301.823.6670 | TK@KennedyVisas.com

 Kennedy Law Handles Both the School Track and the USCIS Filing — Simultaneously. 

• If your F-1 status has lapsed — whether due to an unauthorized course load reduction, I-20 issues, or a missed transfer filing — reinstatement may still be available to you through USCIS.  
• Reinstatement is discretionary. The strength of the explanation, the timing, and the supporting evidence will determine the outcome — and whether you return to lawful status without long-term consequences. 
• At Kennedy Law, LLC, we prepare reinstatement filings with precision — aligning facts to the regulation, correcting record gaps, and anticipating discretionary concerns before they become problems. The goal is not just to file. The goal is to restore status cleanly and protect your long-term immigration strategy. 

You may qualify if you can show that:

• Your violation resulted from circumstances beyond your control (e.g., medical issues, DSO error, unforeseen events), or the violation relates to a reduction in your course load that would have been authorized if requested in time; 
• You have not engaged in unauthorized employment;
• You are currently pursuing, or intend to pursue, a full course of study at the school issuing your new I-20;
• You have not been out of status for more than five months, or you can show exceptional circumstances explaining the delay;
• Reinstatement would promote the intent of the F-1 program (i.e., you are a bona fide student making progress toward your degree).
   

(We will assess your facts against current USCIS policy and your DSO’s guidance.)

If a failing or unsatisfactory grade caused you to drop below a full course load, USCIS will look for: (1) why it happened, (2) why it won’t happen again, and (3) proof you’re a bona fide student. We prepare a detailed statement and evidence package showing the specific cause (e.g., health, family, language barrier, tutoring gap), corrective steps, and a term-by-term plan to regain normal progress.

Helpful evidence includes:

• Academic advisor letter outlining what went wrong and the recovery plan
• DSO support letter and new I-20 for reinstatement
• Transcript showing prior progress and current re-enrollment
• Proof of corrective actions (tutoring enrollment, counseling, study plan, time-management course)
• If relevant, medical documentation or disability accommodations letter

• Missed full-time enrollment due to illness or family crisis
• Missed full-time enrollment due to an unsatisfactory grade or academic probation (e.g., withdrew or fell below 12 credits after failing a prerequisite; reinstatement request explains the circumstances and shows a concrete academic recovery plan) 
• Administrative/DSO errors with SEVIS or I-20 issuance
• Late transfer or missed program end date
• Financial hardship causing a temporary lapse
• Unaware of rule change or miscommunication during leave of absence

Over many years of immigration practice, Kennedy Law has successfully guided international students back into lawful F-1 status across academic settings ranging from community colleges to competitive master’s and Ph.D. programs. These matters have included academic probation cases, medical withdrawals, SEVIS administrative errors, missed transfer deadlines, and delayed filings within the regulatory window. 

Reinstatement cases filed promptly, supported by credible documentation, DSO coordination, and a clear academic recovery plan have consistently resulted in strong approval outcomes. Experience matters in these filings because USCIS evaluates intent, credibility, and degree progress—not just form compliance. 

The government terminated thousands of SEVIS records in 2025 — including students with no violations and often without notice. Terminations are ongoing even though federal courts have pushed back. Court protections are not guaranteed.  

Don't wait for your school to act. 

Call Kennedy Law: 301.823.6670 | Send records for review: TK@KennedyVisas.com