Changing Status to J-1 Scholar in the U.S. (Scholars)

Change

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Before You Begin

There are two ways to acquire J-1 status once you obtain your Form DS-2019 from Columbia University:

  1. By applying for a J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate outside the U.S., preferably your home country, or
  2. By submitting a Form I-539 application (online or paper-based) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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Eligibility

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How to Apply

A Note About Timing

It can take several months for a Form I-539 Change of Status application to be approved by USCIS. Through the Premium Processing process described below, USCIS may adjudicate the application in up to 30 business days.

Step 1

Request Form DS-2019

  • Your academic department at Columbia University must submit a request to ISSO for a Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) for you and any dependents seeking J-2 visa sponsorship.
  • Your ISSO adviser at Morningside/Manhattanville or CUIMC must be informed by the academic department that your Form DS-2019 will be used for an application to change status.
  • If another institution will sponsor your J-1 status, they will need to issue you the Form DS-2019 and advise you on the process.
Step 2

Receive Form DS-2019

  • ISSO will send a message to your email address with your digitally signed Form DS-2019 attached.  The Form DS-2019 is needed for your change of status application to USCIS.
  • Review the Form DS-2019 carefully to ensure the information is accurate.
  • You must pay the SEVIS fee online (for J-1 only, not J-2 dependents)
Step3

Submit Your Change of Status Form I-539 Application to USCIS

There are two options to submit your application:

  • Electronically submit your application to USCIS which will allow you to pay the application fee with a credit card and make changes to your application online, or 
  • Send a paper application via the U.S. Postal Service or a courier service. The paper application allows you to include a paper check or money order for the application fee. The paper application must be sent to a USCIS address based on your U.S. residence address indicated on the Form I-539.

Watch this short video on the many advantages of filing online as compared to mailing a paper application to USCIS.  See e-filing tips for additional information.  Please keep in mind that you are responsible for the accuracy of your application to USCIS and following their step-by-step instructions.

  1. Follow instructions for creating a USCIS Online Account or log in to your USCIS account, if you already have one.
     
  2. Select “File a Form Online” and choose “I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status”. Follow the instructions and complete each step in the order they are presented to you.
     
  3.  If you will choose Premium Processing, select  “File a Form Online” and choose “I-907 Request for Premium Processing Service”. Follow the instructions and complete each step in the order they are presented to you.
     
  4. Determine who will pay the processing fees. The fees for each of these applications can be found by using the USCIS Fee Calculator.
  • The hiring department may opt to pay for one or both of the fees. If the department will pay, a check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security must be requested for each fee separately.
  • If you will pay the fees, you can choose to pay by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.  The check, money order, or cashier’s check should be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  • NOTE: Since the I-539 is your personal application, your department is not obligated to pay these government fees.
Step 4

Keep ISSO Updated During the Application Process

We recommend emailing your receipt number and a copy of any USCIS documentation related to your case to your ISSO adviser:

If you move while your application is pending, you must notify USCIS of your new address and notify the ISSO by submitting a Change of Address request in Compass.

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Traveling Abroad

  • If you must travel abroad while your application is pending at USCIS, your application will be considered abandoned and you will need to obtain a new DS-2019 from ISSO andapply for a J-1 entry visa at a U.S. consulate abroad before re-entering the U.S.

  • If you travel after the change of status is approved, you will need to apply for a J-1 entry visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad in order to return to the U.S.

  • J-2 dependents are subject to the same travel guidance above.

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