At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, P.C., we routinely assist international students confronted with challenges arising from institutional oversights and procedural deficiencies. In a recent case, our firm successfully secured the reinstatement of F-1 status for a client whose SEVIS record was erroneously terminated. This termination resulted from a university's failure to properly communicate critical course enrollment requirements.
Our client, an Indian national, arrived in the United States in September 2022 to pursue a Master of Science in Project Management at a major university. He excelled in his studies, achieving a 4.0 GPA in Fall 2023 and were on track for graduation.
In Fall 2023, the client unknowingly encountered a technical enrollment issue. They registered for 9 credits but were waitlisted for three Session A courses, leaving them only enrolled in Session B courses. Unaware of the university’s requirement to enroll in both sessions to maintain F-1 status, the client’s SEVIS record was terminated in January 2024, risking their ability to continue their studies.
Our client initially took proactive steps by collaborating with university advisors to collect the necessary documents and prepare a reinstatement application for submission to USCIS. Unfortunately, the application was rejected due to a payment issue. Realizing the need for professional guidance to avoid further complications, the client retained our firm.
Our legal team began with a comprehensive review of the case, guiding the client through drafting a compelling personal statement, gathering essential documents, and assembling a well-structured package for re-filing. We ensured the application was submitted within five months of the client’s status violation, effectively bypassing the heightened evidentiary requirements for late filings.
Despite our reassurances that the application was filed correctly and within the regulatory timeframe, the client, concerned by USCIS’s delay in issuing a receipt, independently submitted a third, duplicate application through the MyUSCIS portal. This unnecessary action complicated the case, triggering a Request for Evidence (RFE) when the client withdrew the third application, inadvertently causing SEVIS to reflect no active reinstatement request.
Our team responded promptly and strategically to the RFE, clearly outlining the procedural history and providing evidence that demonstrated the initial application was timely and complete. We highlighted that the violation was due to circumstances beyond the client’s control and that all required documents and fees were properly submitted. USCIS ultimately approved the reinstatement, recognizing the client’s good-faith efforts and the substantive merits of the request.
If you are facing challenges with F-1 status reinstatement, the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, P.C. can provide the experienced and dedicated support you need. Our founding attorney, Sabrina Li, is certified by the State Bar of California as a specialist in immigration and nationality law. Under her experienced leadership, our legal team expertly handles complex immigration matters, offering strategic guidance and strong advocacy every step of the way. Ensure your immigration journey remains secure and successful. For dedicated representation, contact us today at (213) 375-8096 or email us at info@sabrinali.law.
Our attorneys possess diverse immigration experience and have an in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between various immigration laws, policies, and regulations, ensuring accurate and comprehensive guidance. We offer a full range of immigration services, addressing all aspects of your case while identifying potential opportunities and challenges.
We provide a tailored approach to each client's case, ensuring that you receive individualized attention and a customized strategy for your unique situation. We adjust our strategy as your needs or circumstances change, guaranteeing a seamless transition between different phases of your immigration journey.
Our team is composed of immigrant and first-generation American professionals, along with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Many of us have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced during the immigration process. This allows us to provide guidance and advocacy rooted in authentic understanding.
