Accessibility and the PCC web site.

Continuing Students: Reinstatement

F-1 Reinstatement Checklist

  1. Write a letter of explanation addressed to USCIS including the following:
    • Specifics of the violation
    • Explanation of the circumstances beyond the student's control.
    • Statement that the student is currently pursuing or will pursue a full course of study. You MUST register and complete (12 units) in the following required term.
    • Request to USCIS for reinstatement
  2. Provide proof of financial support
    • A current official bank letter on bank letterhead with official signature. (see sponsor form for requirements)
    • If you have a sponsor your sponsor needs to complete the Financial Sponsor Affidavit Form.
  3. Official transcripts from all U.S. institutions you have attended. Order PCC official transcripts from the Records Office in the L Building.
  4. Provide letters of support (e.g. doctor, advisor, etc.)
  5. Complete Form I-539. the form can be downloaded at his website: http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-539.html (please complete the form in black ink only)
  6. Write a check or money order of $300.00 payable to the order of U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  7. Photocopies of passport picture page, information page and visa page.
  8. Photocopy of all I-20s you have ever had. (Including I-20's from other schools) All change of status records and extension notices issued by Immigration.
  9. Evidence of first entry into the U.S
  10. Original I-94 Card
  11. Make an appointment with an advisor at the International Student Office. Please call (626) 585-7808 to schedule an appointment.
  12. We will issue an I-20 Reinstatement Request after all documents are acquired - All documents must be complete BEFORE issuing the I-20 Reinstatement Request.
  13. If you are filing reinstatement due to an expired I-20 you must submit an original signed Ed Plan from an Academic Counselor in the L building.

F-1 Reinstatement Mailing Instructions

Please mail documents in the following order:

  1. Check or Money Order $300.00 payable to: Department of Homeland Security
  2. Original I-94
  3. Original I-539 form
  4. Original I-20 Reinstatement Request
  5. Letter of Explanation
  6. Copies of all I-20's you ever had (Including I-20's from other schools)
  7. Original Bank letter/statement
  8. Original Sponsor Affidavit form
  9. Official school transcripts (do not open envelope!)
  10. Copies - passport picture page; information page; visa; first entry into the U.S.
  11. Copies - Change of status and/or extension by Immigration if applicable.

Make a copy of all documents for your records before mailing.

Send via: United States Postal Service
Service: Certified and Return Receipt
Mailing Address:

USCIS California Service Center
P.O. Box 10539
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1053

What Happens Next

Once you receive your Receipt Notice from USCIS called "I-797 Receipt Notice" please submit a copy to the ISO counter.

Student - If you get approved by USCIS for reinstatement of your F-1 status you must do the following:

  1. Copy I-20 with approval stamp (first and last pages)
  2. Copy I-94 (front and back) Submit copies to room International Student Office

Should USCIS or PCC - ISO have any questions, contact will be made via e-mail, please be sure to periodically check your e-mail.

While your reinstatement request is processing you cannot leave the U.S. as you will not be allowed back in. Do not move, as notices/documents from USCIS will be mailed to the address on the I-539.

Important Note: All paper work requests have a 10-businsess day turn-around period