Visa categories
Changing Your Immigration Status (COS)
Change of status options
If eligible, you may change your non-immigrant status in the United States through one of two ways, after obtaining an I-20 or DS-2019 from the International Services Office (ISO). The first option is to travel outside the U.S. and re-enter with a new F-1 or J-1 visa obtained at a U.S. consulate abroad (note: Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement). The second option is to apply for a change of status within the U.S. by submitting Form I-539 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is typically chosen by students who are already in the U.S. and unable to travel. However, it’s important to note that this method grants F-1 or J-1 status, not a visa. Therefore, the next time you travel internationally, you will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate before returning to the U.S.
Form I-539 is not an option if:
- You failed to maintain the terms and conditions of your current nonimmigrant status (for example, by working without authorization, failing to engage in the activity that was the basis for holding that status, etc.), You must have maintained the terms and conditions of your current status.
- You are not eligible if you are currently in the US as a J-1 exchange visitor or a J-2 dependent and are subject to the 2-Year Home Residency Requirement.
- You are currently in the U.S. under the “visa waiver” program
Work with ISO
Students considering an I-539 application for a change of status to F-1/J-1 should consult with their ISO advisor before submitting the application. Change of Status is complicated and has a lengthy processing time, and in some cases can result in requests for further evidence or a denial. Note that not all visa statuses will allow you to start your studies while the application is pending. You will also be unable to begin on-campus employment, receive assistantships, or other funding until your status is approved. Getting approval for a change to F-1 or J-1 status is NOT a guarantee that you will get an F-1 or J-1 visa when you apply at an embassy or consulate outside of the US.
ISO cannot provide legal advice to change of status applicants beyond basic information and the issuance of Form I-20/DS-2019. Students who need assistance with the change of status process should speak to an immigration attorney.
Change of status steps
Whether you are a newly admitted or continuing student, please review the steps below to learn how to prepare and submit your change of status application, as well as to understand important travel and reporting requirements. Consulting with an immigration attorney and carefully following these steps will help ensure a smooth transition to your new status and maintain your lawful presence in the United States.
Obtain Form I-20 (for F-1 status) or DS-2019 (for J-1 status) by completing the complete the New Student Intake Forms (NSIF). You should reach out to the admissions office (if you are a newly admitted student) or your academic department/advisor (if you are a continuing student) to initiate the NSIF.
Once you’ve received your I-20 or DS-2019, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee (also called I-901 Fee). Pay the I-901 fee online (dependents in F-2 or J-2 status are not required to pay the fee). This fee must be paid at least 3 business days prior to a visa interview (if you are obtaining F-1/J-1 status by travel) or the filing of the change of status application in the US.
If you choose to change your status by travel you may skip this step. However, if you have decided that you want to apply for change of status within the United States, please continue reading.
An application for Change of Status (I-539) will at the minimum require you to prepare the following documents:
- A copy of your new Form I-20 or DS-2019 (also signed by you)
- A copy of your SEVIS fee receipt
- A copy of your passport ID page
- A copy of your most recent I-94
- A copy of your latest/current visa
- A copy of your admission letter from UR/proof of enrollment
- A copy of your financial documents
- Evidence that you have maintained lawful status while in the US prior to submitting your application for change of status (such as most recent I-94, visa sticker, Form DS-2019 for J-1/J-2 status, Form I-20 for F-2 status, I-797 approval notice, EAD card, etc.)
- A letter of explanation for why you would like to change your status to F-1 or J-1. This letter should clearly explain why you wish to change to the new status.
- If changing status from an employment based status (such as H-1B, J-1 Scholar, F-1 OPT, etc.), you should include three recent paystubs, or other evidence of employment.If previously in J status and subject to the 212(e) Two-Year Foreign Residency Requirement, include the I-612 proof of waiver approval.
- If you have accompanying dependents applying with you, include their immigration documents as well as a proof of their legal relationship to you (e.g. marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for child(ren)
If you choose to change your status by travel you may skip this step. However, if you have decided that you want to apply for change of status within the United States, please continue reading.
With your documents, you should complete and file Form I-539. Filing online and by mail are both options, but we recommend that you file online.
If you choose to pay an extra fee to request premium processing of the Change of Status application (this is separate and in addition to the I-539 application fee for the Change of Status itself), USCIS will review the application within 30 business days for a Form I-539 for applicants seeking a Change of Status to F-1 or J-1 within the United States. Please note that this does not guarantee approval within 30 business days, only that the application will be reviewed within that timeframe.
If you have decided that you want to apply for change of status within the United States, you must remain in the U.S. until after your application is approved. USCIS considers departure while the application is pending as abandonment and will deny your change of status application.
Make sure to keep ISO informed of any developments in your change of status process: notify ISO when you get your application receipt and approval notices from USCIS or any other communication from USCIS. Please remember that ISO is responsible for maintaining your F1/J-1 SEVIS record and must be kept updated.
If you choose to change your status by travel, you can travel after you have your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to obtain a new visa from the consulate abroad. Please review the ISO travel guidance webpage to prepare.
Once you are in F-1/J-1 status, you must complete your check-in process with ISO to have your F-1/J-1 SEVIS record activated.