Change Immigration Status

The information on this page is about applying to USCIS for a change of nonimmigrant visa status while in the US. Our office often recommends that students travel outside the US to apply for their new visa, then use it to reenter the US. If you have questions about which option is best for your specific situation, you can meet with your ISS advisor to discuss it.

Deadlines for Filing

The USCIS can take 3-5 months to process a change of status application.

If you wish to start a program in less than 3 months in you new status, we recommend that you do the following:

Exit the US with the new I-20 or DS-2019, successfully complete a consular interview, and return to the US in your new status. For F-1 and J-1 visas, you CANNOT return to the US in your new status more than 30 days prior to your program start date. This is a US immigration regulation
Plan for a later program start date.

Step 1: Obtain a Change of Status I-20 or DS-2019

Complete the Change of Status form

We will review your documents and prepare a Change of Status I-20 or DS-2019for you. This process takes 3 to 10 business days.

We will email you when your I-20 is ready to be picked up

When you receive your I-20 ore DS-2019, sign it and include a copy of the signed original I-20 or DS-2019 with your Change of Status application.

Step 2: Pay your I-901 SEVIS fee

Change of status applicants changing to F-1 or J-1 with an “initial attendance” I-20 or DS-2019 must pay a one-time SEVIS fee. The fee can be paid online at www.fmjfee.com after issuance of a new I-20 or DS-2019. Print 2 copies of your payment confirmation. Include one with your application and keep one for yourself.

Step 3: Prepare your application USCIS

Complete I-539 form – filing online is faster and easier, but you can file a paper application instead.
USCIS will send a receipt notice to the address you indicated on your application.
If the change of status is approved, you will receive a new I-94 number at the bottom of your Approval Notice from USCIS.
If the USCIS sends the approval documents to your home address, please upload them using the USCIS notices upload form from the ISS website.

Application Requirements

Any nonimmigrant visa holder (except those holding C, D, K, or M visa status, or visa waiver status) can apply for a change of status to F-1 if s/he has maintained lawful non-immigrant status up to the time of application. A person in J status may apply for a change of status within the US.

F-2 to F-1 changes of status cannot study full time until the USCIS approves change of status request.

Premium Processing is available for Form I-539

File Form I-539 together with Form I-907 when filing online or by mail. There is an additional fee for this service. It is paid directly to USCIS.

Notifying USCIS of Change of Address

If you move while your change of status is pending:

Notify USCIS immediately at egov.uscis.gov/coa/displayCOAForm.do
Notify OU ISS