Main Menu

International Students & Scholars

Change of Status by USCIS Application

Change status within the United States

In general, non-immigrants who are maintaining lawful status may apply for a change of status within the U.S. by applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The latest guidance from USCIS holds that for a foreign national to be eligible for a change of status to F-1 classification, their current status must be valid through at least thirty days prior to the start date on the SEVIS Form I-20.  A foreign national who requests a change of status to F-1 classification but whose current status will expire more than thirty days prior to the program start date on the SEVIS Form I-20 will have their change of status request denied.

  • You may remain in the U.S. while your application is pending.
  • Depending on your current visa status you may be eligible to begin or continue your studies while your application is pending.
  • The application process is lengthy and there is no guarantee your application will be approved.
  • Some visa categories (i.e.  F-2 status) must wait until their application is approved before they can begin full time studies.
  • J-1 or J-2 cannot change status to F-1 if subject to Section 212(e), also known as the "two-year home residency requirement".
  • You will not receive a visa stamp in your passport.

Steps to Changing Status by USCIS application

After meeting with an International Student Advisor and deciding to change status in the United States, follow their instructions to submit these documents to ISSS for review: 

  • Cover letter explaining why you wish to change status
  • Completed Form I-539: Application to extend or change non-immigrant status
  • Original copies of your financial support information.  Acceptable sources of funding can be found here.
  • Photocopy of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, I-94 card and passport ID pages
  • If you are in a dependent visa status: Photocopy of the primary's current immigration status documents, visa stamp, I-94 card and passport ID pages
  • If applicable: Dependent family member documentation
  • If changing status to J-1: Proof of health insurance
  • Anyone in A or G status: Form I-566 for clearance from their organization to either the Department of State or the Office of Host Country Affairs at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations within 10 days of the completion of A or G employment. After the I-566 has been approved, you will be eligible to apply for change of status.
  • Completed Change of Status Acknowledgment Form
  • If you are a current student, confirmation from your academic advisor, indicating when you are expected to complete all degree requirements. (E-form submission)

After the new I-20/DS-2019 is issued, file the change of status application with USCIS.  The instructions below are for mailed applications only. Please meet with an advisor if you are planning to file your application online.

The completed change of status application should include:

  • Cover letter explaining why you wish to change status
  • Original I-20/DS-2019 indicating your change of status (generated by ISSS)
  • I-797 form: Proof of payment of SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Form I-539: Application to extend or change non-immigrant status
  • A personal check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" for $470.
  • Original copies of your financial support information. 
  • Photocopy of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, I-94 card and passport ID pages
  • If you are in a dependent visa status: Photocopy of the primary current immigration status documents, visa stamp, I-94 card and passport ID pages
  • If applicable: Dependent family member documentation (enclose additional biometric fees for each dependent)
  • For anyone in A or G status: Completed I-566

We suggest you retain photocopies of your application for your records.  Mail application materials to the appropriate USCIS Service Center.  Please indicate clearly "I-539: Change of status form" on the outside of the envelope. Use a traceable mailing system. 

Consider Premium Processing

USCIS expanded premium processing for Form I-539 Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status. This means that F-1 or J-1 students applying to change their status within the U.S. may request premium processing when filing their application.

Premium processing is an optional program that allows eligible applicants or petitioners to request faster, more guaranteed processing times for eligible applications and petitions. Premium processing fees are in addition to the standard application or petition filing fees for the underlying benefit request. Premium processing is requested by filing Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service with the requisite premium processing fee.

Requesting premium processing sets the adjudication time frame to within 30 calendar days for change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1 or J-2.  Please see current fees for filing the I-907.

You should receive a notice from USCIS within two to three weeks indicating they have received your application. Please send your ISSS advisor a copy of the receipt.

Once your change of status is approved, please notify your ISSS advisor immediately. The advisor will give you access to complete the mandatory immigration videos and documents check to activate your SEVIS record. Remember that if you wish to work on-campus, you must wait until the change of status has been approved and your I-20 is activated by ISSS.

Back to Top