F1 status can be reinstated through another college if the out of status period is 5 moths or less. This I know for a fact. HERE IS THE INFO: F-1 Reinstatement to Student Status: A student who has failed to maintain F-1 student status and who wishes to return to or transfer to F1, must apply for and be granted reinstatement to F-1 student status by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Maintaining F-1 student status means that you have been a full-time student and have not overstayed the authorized period of stay as identified on your I-20 form. If you have taken less than a full course of study, not extended your I-20 or not completed the F-1 transfer procedure, you are likely out of status and must apply for reinstatement before you can be granted any additional benefits from the USCIS (e.g. authorization to accept practical training.) A student who has worked without authorization is also out of status, but is not eligible for reinstatement. The longer you wait to address the problem the more difficult it can become. The reinstatement application includes the following documents: * a completed I-539 form with the $200 filing fee (the check should be made payable to USCIS) * a newly obtained I-20 form issued by Yale University * your original I-94 form * a copy of your previous I-20 form * evidence of continued funding * a written statement requesting reinstatement which explains that the violation of student status resulted from circumstances beyond your control and/or that the failure to be reinstated would result in extreme hardship. Any documentation that supports your claim should be attached. Applications for reinstatement are sent to the USCIS district office in Hartford. The address is: USCIS Hartford Sub Office 450 Main Street, 4th Floor Hartford, CT 06103-3060 As with all INS applications, you should keep copies of all documents submitted. A decision to reinstate an individual to F-1 student status is completely at the discretion of the INS. If the application is approved, USCIS adjudicates the new I-20 form, makes appropriate entry in SEVIS and returns the I-20 to you along with the I-94 form. F-2 dependent status is automatically reinstated with the reinstatement of the F-1 student.