Student Visa Reinstatement

As a F1 student on a student visa in the US, the student must always have a valid student visa during the duration of study.

The student can apply for reinstatement if she/he meet certain requirements such as:

  • Failed to maintain the terms of his or her immigration status; therefore, a DSO terminated the record as a result.
  • Will resume full-time study.
  • Can prove eligibility for reinstatement according to F-1 or M-1 regulations.

Reinstatement Eligibility, Regulations and Policy Guidance

In general, to be eligible for reinstatement, the student must:

  • Not be out of status for more than five months at the time of filing or show the exceptional circumstance that prevented filing in that time frame.
  • Not have a record of repeated or willful violations of regulations.
  • Not have worked without authorization.
  • Be pursuing or intend to pursue a full course of study in the immediate future at your school.
  • Not be deportable for any reason other than failing to maintain F-1 or M-1 status.
  • Be able to show that:
    • Circumstances beyond the student’s control caused the status violation.
    • Student fell below a full course load for a reason the DSO could have used to authorize a reduced course load, and the student would experience extreme hardship, if the student fails to get reinstatement.
  • Regulations for Reinstatement can be found on F-1 reinstatement: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(16).

If you need reinstatement, please contact the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence, LLC. on 410.986.0088, 443.352.3201 or email us at infor@elawrencelaw.com for legal help.

What Happens During Your Green Card Interviews?

Many people have the goal of obtaining a green card and remaining a resident of the United States. However, the process of getting one can be stressful and confusing. One of the most anxiety-provoking parts of the process is often the green card interviews. What can you expect to happen during your face-to-face meetings with immigration officials? How can you prepare? Read on to learn more!

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What Is Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Maryland?

In Maryland, as in many other states, the possession of drug paraphernalia is a serious offense that can lead to significant legal consequences. Understanding what constitutes drug paraphernalia and the penalties for being caught with it is crucial for anyone facing these serious charges. Here’s what you need to understand about drug paraphernalia in Maryland.

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I-601A Provisional Waiver Update

Beginning March 4, 2013, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) instituted a new application procedure, the 1-601A Provisional Waiver, for certain individuals who would be subject to the three- or ten-year bars for having accrued unlawful presence when they depart the U.S. These applicants are able to file a provisional waiver of inadmissibility prior to leaving the U.S. for their consular interviews. The option to apply for the waiver before traveling abroad for a consular interview provides tremendous benefits to applicants. This process allows applicants with legal avenues to immigration status to avoid the risk of long-term family separation and uncertainty. 

The benefit of USCIS adjudicating the waiver in advance through this process, applicants avoid having to wait for adjudication of a waiver while abroad, and it allows them to avoid the risk of getting stuck outside the US if the waiver is denied. The provisional waiver is only a change in the administrative process, not a change in the law. This practice advisory will walk you through steps to determine if your client is eligible for the I-601A provisional waiver.

UPDATE: In August 2016, USCIS updated the I-601A Provisional Waiver process. Now, anyone who is statutorily eligible for a waiver of unlawful presence can use the I-601A process to waive the unlawful presence grounds of inadmissibility found at INA §212(a)(9)(B). The biggest change to the I-601A Provisional Waiver is the expansion to include applications from beneficiaries of all visa categories (not just those with U.S. citizen immediate relatives) who can show hardship 10 an LPR spouse or parent, in addition to U.S. citizen spouse or parent qualifying relatives. The applicant is still required to have an approved immigrant visa petition.

If you have questions regarding a I-601A waiver, please contact the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence, LLC. on 443.352.3201. 

Felony or Misdemeanor: What Is the Difference?

Many people understand the severity of having a felony or misdemeanor conviction on their record, but they don’t necessarily understand the difference between the two. Both felonies and misdemeanors can result in serious legal and professional consequences, but they are not the same. What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in the state of Maryland?

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3 Social Media Mistakes That Might Impact Your Court Case

Social media is a great place to stay in touch with friends and family, but it can also be an incredibly dangerous place to be if you have a current court case. Whether it is an immigration case or a personal injury case, posting the wrong thing on social media can lead to serious complications in the courtroom and make things unnecessarily challenging for you. Here are some of the most common social media mistakes that might impact your court case.

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What Is Temporary Protected Status?

One of the immigration terms that you may encounter is Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Temporary Protected Status can only be granted through the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and it is given to select foreign-born people who cannot safely go back to their homes for a variety of reasons. What is TPS, and could you be eligible for it?

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DUI vs DWI: How Are They Different?

Despite the two terms referring to different things, many people use DUI and DWI interchangeably. In the state of Maryland, the two offenses have a lot in common. Both DWI and DUI are very serious charges. If convicted, it could have a permanent impact on your life, both personally and professionally. Working with the right lawyer from the beginning is essential.

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How Social Media Could Impact Your Immigration Case

The vast majority of adults in America and around the world use some type of social media. While it can be a great way to help you connect with friends and family and have some fun, the things that you say on it can come back to haunt you later. Social media posts can be used in a variety of court cases, from divorce to child custody. Here is what you should know about the ways that social media could impact your immigration case.

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Contact Us

    Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence, LLC.
  • Address: 90 Painters Mill Road Suite 201 Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
  • Phone: (443) 352-3201

  • Email: info@elawrencelaw.com

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