Obtaining Your Reinstatement I-20

Applying for reinstatement in the United States involves several steps. If you are in an applicable nonimmigrant status, we recommend that you seek out the assistance of an immigration attorney. While the application process is not difficult, there may be additional steps you need to consider depending on your current status. If you are a current student at Kent State University, you can visit Student Legal Services to help you identify a list of immigration attorneys. 

  1. Make an appointment with an ISSS advisor to determine your eligibility and which method you wish to use:
    1. Apply for Reinstatement with USCIS and remain inside the U.S. while the application is pending or
    2. Leave the U.S. and reenter with an I-20 in INITIAL status.
  2. Complete the Reinstatement I-20 Request Form.
  3. Collect your I-20 from the Office of Global Education. You can choose one of the options below:
    • Collect I-20 from OGE -- You will need to bring your photo ID to show to the OGE reception desk.
    • Authorize a friend to collect from OGE -- You will need to indicate in the email the name of your friend. Once you receive the email indicating that your I-20 is ready for pick up, please forward the email to your friend and remind them to bring a photo ID when they come. 
    • Have your I-20 shipped at your own cost -- Please follow the instructions to create a shipping label and have it sent to you by clicking here. We will not print your I-20 until you provide the order number of your shipment. 
  4. Once you have your I-20, then your next steps vary based on which method you selected in the Reinstatement I-20 Request Form:
    • Apply for Reinstatement with USCIS: If you intend to remain in the U.S., please follow the instructions in the next section to file your application with USCIS.
    • Leave the U.S. and reenter with an I-20 in INITIAL status: You must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and prepare for your travels. Once you reenter, let ISSS know by emailing us at isss@kent.edu so that we can then change your SEVIS to ACTIVE. 
  5. Make sure that you maintain a full course load and follow all rules pertaining to your most recent visa status. Students applying for Reinstatement with USCIS should do that immediately and students leaving and reentering will need to do that upon their return.
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