Use this form if you are a continuing U-M student AND if you
- Have been out of the US for more than 5 months and need a new I-20 to re-enter the U.S.
- Need to regain F-1 status through reinstatement or travel
- Are a continuing student changing status to F-1
- Are a continuing student who will be transferring back to U-M after a short absence
- Are a continuing Canadian commuter student
Attention LSA undergraduate students who have been away for 2 or more years! Before submitting this form to the IC, you must complete the LSA Academic Advising Center's “Application for Reactivation” and obtain confirmation of reactivation.
Do NOT use this form if you are
- A new student
- A continuing student being admitted to a new program at U-M
If either of the above applies to you, please contact your admitting department for a new I-20.
Important notes. Please read.
- If you have been overseas for more than 5 months or your reinstatement has been denied:
- Once you receive the new I-20, make sure to review the information on the I-20 and sign it at the bottom of page 1.
- You will then need to pay a new SEVIS Fee (the I-20 will have a new SEVIS ID number).
- With the new I-20 and new SEVIS Fee payment receipt, you may apply for a new F-1 visa at the nearest US embassy or consulate. If your previous F-1 visa is expired, then applying for a new F-1 visa is mandatory prior to returning to the US.
- If you are already in possession of an unexpired, multi-entry F-1 visa, then it may not be strictly necessary to apply for a new visa prior to returning to the US. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the US port of entry typically do not require that you obtain a new visa if your previous visa still in your possession remains valid. However, please note that a valid visa does not guarantee entrance into the United States, and CBP officers are authorized to exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis on all nonimmigrant admissions.
- Your new F-1 status begins when you return regardless of how long you were in F-1 status previously. This may have an impact on your employment eligibility for practical training.
- You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the begin date indicated on the I-20. Students with a “transfer pending” I-20 are not subject to the 30-day rule.
- After gaining F status, you must meet with an advisor at the IC for Check-In.
Please note that this form is just to start the process and that the rest of the process will take place through M-Passport.