An F-1 student has lost their SEVIS status after the university placed them in online classes. You need 9 credits of in-person classes to stay active in SEVIS, but the system enrolled the student in online courses by default.
University Registration Error
The issue began when the university registered the student in online classes without checking the requirement. International students must complete 9 in-person credits each semester to maintain their status. The mistake has now put the student at risk.
Confusion Over CPT Approval
The DSO had already approved the student’s CPT, which makes the error even more serious. The status is now set for termination at the end of the semester, leaving the student with almost no time to respond.
DSO Miscommunication
The student says the confusion comes from the shift between DSOs on campus. The earlier DSO lost their position, and the new one refused to help. The new DSO told the student that status maintenance is their own responsibility even though the issue started with the university.
Limited Options For The Student
The student now needs to leave the country or apply for reinstatement. Reinstatement is allowed only when the situation is beyond your control, so approval is uncertain. The long processing time also blocks CPT work.
Advice From Immigration Experts
Experts say leaving the US, getting a new visa stamp and returning is the simpler path. Reinstatement needs detailed proof, costs a lot and carries a high risk of denial.
A Difficult Decision
The student is now under severe stress and stuck between two choices. They want to complete their Master’s degree, but they must decide whether to try reinstatement or exit the US immediately.
