USCIS announced on October 25, 2006 that beginning October 30, 2006 local USCIS offices will forward new filings for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, for F-1 and M-1 student reinstatement, to the California Service Center or the Vermont Service Center, depending on where the student is engaged in study. Applicants filing for student reinstatement will receive a receipt notice from the service center that will process their application. USCIS District Offices will continue to process student reinstatement cases received before October 30, 2006 using existing procedures. Local USCIS offices will continue to accept I-539 filings specifically for the purpose of student reinstatement until provisions are in place allowing for direct mail filing. The change is being implemented in preparation for Phase 3 of Bi-specialization.