Overview
The reentry process must be completed after a student has been absent from ISU for at least one full semester (other than summer). Typically, students who are absent from ISU have spent time in their home country or another U.S. institution prior to returning to ISU.
Timeline
Students are encouraged to complete the "Returning to ISU" process at least three to four months before the start of classes. This ensures approval from the university, academic department, and ISSO for reentry occur in time for the start of classes.
Step 1: Returning to the University
Undergraduate Student Process
Students must first apply to be readmitted to the university. To apply for readmission, students must complete the International Student Reentry Form.
- Students who were enrolled for even one day of their most recent previous semester at ISU do not need to complete the university's International Student Reentry form and therefore do not need to be readmitted to the university.
Academically Dismissed
Dismissed students must be academically reinstated prior to returning to ISU. Dismissed students must complete the Reinstatement after Academic Dismissal Form. Academically dismissed students are advised to meet with their academic adviser to discuss the reinstatement process.
Graduate Student Process
Graduate students must first request to have their graduate record reactivated
- Graduate Students who have been away from ISU for fewer than four consecutive semesters can do this by calling the Office of the Registrar at 515-294-2331.
- Graduate students who have been away from ISU for four consecutive semesters must submit Request to be Reinstated to Academic Status.
Step 2: Requesting a new I-20
Students must complete the Returning to ISU e-form in Cystart. This is an electronic process completed through Cystart. The link for Cystart can be found on the ISSO homepage. Log in to Cystart using ISU NetID and password. Once in Cystart, select F-1 Student Services and complete the "Returning to ISU" e-form.
Required Documentation
Proof of financial support for one academic year (defined as a fall and spring semester)
- Refer to the Expense Worksheet to understand how much financial support is required
- Financial documents more than 3 months old will not be accepted
- Examples of financial documentations include: U.S. or foreign bank statements, Letter of Intent for graduate assistants, etc. Consult with an ISSO advisor on other types of acceptable financial support documentation)
Students Transferring to ISU
Students transferring from another U.S. institution will need to work with the other institution's international office to have their immigration record transferred. ISSO cannot issue an I-20 until the SEVIS record has been transferred.
ISSO Processing
The ISSO will only process the Returning to ISU request after the Registrar's Office and student's academic department have approved the reentry form, the student has removed all holds, and, if dismissed, the reinstatement to ISU is approved. Failure to submit either form in advance could result in significant delays in the reentry form being processed.
Step 3: New Visa (if applicable)
Students who will have been outside of the U.S. without an F-1 status for five months or longer will be issued a new I-20 with a new SEVIS number. Students will be required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again but may be able to use the previous F-1 visa, if still valid. See Study in the States for more information.
Step 4: Arrive in Ames
Entering the U.S.
Students on an initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number can arrive up to 30 days prior to the program start date. The program start date can be found in item #5 of your I-20. ISSO recommends that you arrive 3 - 4 days before your program start date.
Required Documents for Reentry
Students must have the following documents in their possession when entering the United States:
- Passport
- I-20
- Admission letter
- Financial support documentation
Step 5: Check In with ISSO
Students must complete an Electronic Check-In with ISSO after they have arrived in the U.S. The Electronic Check-In can be completed in Cystart's "Orientation Checklist – F-1 and J-1 Students” found under the "International Student Orientation" tab. To complete the process, students must:
- Review the F-1 immigration regulations presentations and complete the quizzes
- Complete the electronic check-in form and upload copies of immigration documents such as passport, visa, I-20, and I-94.