Changing to F-1 Immigration status

If you are in the United States in a valid immigration status, you may be eligible to change your status to F-1. A visa is different from nonimmigrant status.  A visa is physically stamped inside your passport.  There are two ways to change your status: 

• international travel, or
• application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 

To begin your change of status, an initial appointment is required with an international student advisor. During the appointment, the advisor will discuss your individual situation and make recommendations about which of the following methods of changing status meets your goals and timeline.

While ISSS advisors may give general guidance on a change of status, we are not permitted to give detailed legal advice. In some cases it may be recommended to seek the advice of a qualified immigration attorney.

Important Considerations for changing status to F-1

• All students considering a change of status to F-1 should review information about maintaining status  including information about full-time course registration, online course restrictions, and abiding by all F-1 employment regulations regarding work authorization. 
• F-1 students are billed for tuition at the out-of-state rate (contact Residency Reclassification Services at reclass@umd.edu for all questions about the change in tuition rates).
• The International Student Fee will be charged to the student's account each semester while in F-1 status.