What is the difference between reinstatement and re-entry with a new I-20 or DS-2019?

Common ProblemsMaintaining Legal Status
Written By Robin Catmur-Smith

FAQ.

Answered by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

 

What is the difference between reinstatement and re-entry with a new I-20 or DS-2019?

A reinstatement application is submitted to USCIS in order to try to restore lawful F-1 status while staying in the U.S. Re-entry, on the other hand, requires departing the U.S., getting new documents (and a new visa if needed), and then returning to the U.S. under a new SEVIS record. Reinstatement preserves your work-authorization timeline; re-entry can be faster if you already have a valid visa. Either method has no guarantee of success.

 

Reinstatement

  • Benefits: preserves your CPT/OPT eligibility timeline; no travel required (valuable if your visa expired or you face travel restrictions).

  • Draw-backs: USCIS filing fees; you must stay enrolled full-time; no employment until approved; not guaranteed; can take several months with no USCIS expedited option.

Travel and re-entry?

  • Benefits: may resolve status faster if you have a valid visa; status is restored immediately on successful re-entry.

  • It does not erase or forgive the previous status violation that resulted in the SEVIS record termination.

  • Draw-backs: may require a new visa (delays/uncertainty); a new SEVIS fee; risk of refused entry; interrupts continuous presence, which can affect work-authorization requests.

Reference: DHS Study in the State — Reinstatement COE (Form I-20)

Robin Catmur-Smith
Previous

What do I do if I think I’ve been scammed?
Next

What happens if I fall out of legal immigration status?