US · Recovery
When things go wrong on an F-1
Status violations, SEVIS termination, reinstatement, transfers — the recovery playbook before you call a lawyer.
- Estimated time
- ~25 min
- Region
- United States
- Total guides
- 4 guides
In this track
- 01
F-1 status violation guide 2026
F-1 status violation guide 2026: what counts as a violation, SEVIS termination, unlawful presence accrual, and the pathways back to status through reinstatement or re-entry.
Read guide
- 02
F-1 reinstatement checklist
F-1 reinstatement checklist: Form I-539 process, evidence of good cause, SEVIS re-activation, filing timeline, and when reinstatement vs travel-and-re-entry is better.
Read guide
- 03
F-1 reinstatement checklist
F-1 reinstatement checklist: Form I-539 process, evidence of good cause, SEVIS re-activation, filing timeline, and when reinstatement vs travel-and-re-entry is better.
Read guide
- 04
F-1 school transfer mid-program: SEVIS and status rules
How F-1 students transfer schools mid-program, including DSO release dates, new I-20 timing, SEVIS transfer rules, and status traps.
Read guide
Official sources
Verify rules and forms on first-party government sites as you work through this track.
Start with the legal hub
- US student visas hub
F-1, CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT procedural guides in one place.
- F-1 document checklist 2026
What to assemble for I-20, DS-160, and the consular interview.
- OPT & STEM OPT complete guide
Post-completion work authorisation after you graduate.