Applying to Change Your Status in the U.S.

Before You Begin

If you are currently in the U.S. in another status and need to change to F-1 student status, you have two options:

Apply for your I-20 and travel outside the U.S. to apply for an F-1 visa.
Apply for a Change of Status with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services)

We strongly recommend that you travel abroad to apply for your F-1 visa.

The processing time is at least 10 months and cannot be expedited.
You must be in a lawful non-immigrant visa status at the time of filing the change of status application.
You are not in F-1 status until USCIS approves your application. Therefore, you are not eligible for any F-1 benefits, such as employment.
If you leave the U.S. while your application is pending, USCIS will consider it “abandoned” and will deny it.
USCIS may request additional information which will delay your application.
If you are in B-1 or B-2 status you cannot enroll in classes until your application has been approved.
If you are approved, your status in the US will change to F-1, but if you plan to travel outside of the U.S., you will need to obtain an F-1 visa in your passport in order to return.

If you are unable to travel and need to apply for a change of status with USCIS:

Contact an experienced immigration attorney
Apply for an I-20
Meet eligibility requirements

Eligibility

✓: You must be in a lawful status at the time of filing your application.
✓: Your most recent entry was not through the visa waiver program (ESTA)
✓: You are not subject to the J-1 two-year home residency requirement

How to Apply for a Change of Status with USCIS

Apply for your I-20

Follow our instructions for Applying for your I-20.

Prepare required documents

1.
Document: Form I-539 completed for change of status
Description: Access I-539 instructions here.

2.
Document: Form G-1145
Description: This form allows USCIS to notify you by email and/or text message that they have accepted your application.

3.
Document: $370 USCIS application fee. Additional $85 Biometrics fee for you and each dependent. (Fees are not required if you are on an A or G visa.)
Description: Pay with personal check from a U.S. checking account, cashier's check from a bank, or money order, payable to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Write "USCIS I-539" in the memo line. We do not recommend using the Credit Card form G-1450 due to reported issues.

4.
Document: Letter of Explanation
Description: See a sample letter here.

5.
Document: Proof of SEVIS Fee Payment
Description

6.
Document: Copy of visa stamp
Description: Or a copy of your I-797 Approval Notice if you previously changed status in the US

7.
Document: Your most recent I-94 arrival record
Description

8.

Document

Additional documents related to your current status

Description

If you are:

on a work visa, three of your most recent pay stubs
on an A or G visa, your I-566 approval form

9.
Document: Photocopy of your I-20
Description: Sign the bottom of page 1 of your I-20 or your application will be delayed.

10.
Document: Copies of financial documents used when you applied for the I-20
Description

11.
Document: Photocopy of your valid passport identification page
Description

12

Document

I-539A for each dependent who is here with you

Description

Each dependent requires an I-539A form, regardless of age. Access the I-539A instructions here. Also include a copy of each dependent's:

most recent I-94 arrival record
visa stamp and passport ID pages showing identity and expiration date
documents related to their current status (e.g. I-20 for F-2, DS-2019 for J-2, I-797 approval for H-4)
marriage certificate (spouse)
birth certificate (child)

13.
Document: Photocopy of each dependent's I-20
Description

Mail by certified mail or by courier to:

USCIS
ATTN: I-539
2501 S. State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

Email the ISSO

Email your receipt number and a copy of your I-797 receipt to the ISSO for your campus.

Morningside campus: [email protected]
ISSO-CUIMC: [email protected]

Attend your biometrics appointment

You will receive a notice from USCIS with the date, time and location of your appointment

Update the ISSO

Notify us if you receive any other notices from USCIS or need to travel.

Traveling Abroad

While application is pending: If you leave the U.S. while your application is pending with USCIS, it will be considered abandoned and you'll need to obtain a new I-20 from us. You will need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate to return.
After change of status is approved: If you travel after approval, you'll need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate to return.