Common Legal Complications
Guide
Most students never face these issues, but if you do, acting quickly and getting the right help makes all the difference. Here's an overview of common legal problems for international students in the United States.
Written by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
Falling out of status
If you think you've fallen out of lawful status, contact your DSO/ARO immediately. Early action often prevents larger problems. You may be able to regain status through reinstatement or departure and re-entry.
Reinstatement vs. re-entry
If you have lost legal status in the U.S., a reinstatement application filed with USCIS will allow you to remain in the U.S. while you are awaiting a response on your request to regain F-1 status. The application can take months to be adjudicated and bars employment as an F-1 or J-1 student until approved. Departing the U.S. and re-entering can be faster if you have a valid visa but interrupts your continuous presence and requires a new SEVIS fee. You would also need a new visa application if your visa has expired. This may be risky, as there is no guarantee that you would be re-admitted, or issued a new visa.
Arrests and criminal charges
Criminal issues, even minor ones, can lead to visa revocation and/or SEVIS record termination, and can affect future visa applications and OPT eligibility. If arrested or charged, consult an immigration attorney and a criminal attorney immediately and inform your DSO/ARO.
Visa revocation
If the State Department revokes your visa, you'll typically get an email informing you of the revocation. Inform your DSO/ARO, and check to see if your SEVIS record is still Active. Consult an attorney, avoid international travel, and confirm your SEVIS status before any trip. If you depart the U.S. you would need to apply for a new visa before returning. There is no guarantee the new visa would be approved.
