Request for Change of Status

After entering the U.S., there are two methods to change from your current visa status to F1 status.

Change Status While In the U.S.

If you are in the United States in valid nonimmigrant status for a purpose other than to attend school and wish to change your nonimmigrant status (PDF) to a student status while remaining in the United States, you must meet the criteria below and submit an application with USCIS to change your status.

In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant status while remaining in the United States if:

• You were lawfully admitted to the United States in a nonimmigrant status;
• Your nonimmigrant status remains valid;
• You have not violated the conditions of your status; and
• You have not committed any crimes or engaged in any other actions that would make you ineligible for change of status.

Until you receive notice of approval from USCIS, do not assume the requested status has been approved. Before USCIS may approve your application, you must take the following steps:

• Apply to and receive acceptance from a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
• Obtain an initial Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, from the SEVP-certified school. The Designated School Official (DSO) should give change of status in the Issue Reason section of the Form I-20.
• Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.
• File a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,with USCIS.

 Change Status Outside of the U.S.

• Apply to and receive acceptance from a SEVP-certified school.
• Receive a new initial Form I-20 from your designated school official (DSO).
• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
• Apply at a U.S. consulate or embassy for an F-1 visa to travel to the United States in order to seek admission as a student.
• If you are from a country where no visa is required, such as Canada, you may proceed directly to a U.S. port of entry or a U.S. pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station and apply for admission to the United States as an F-1 student.
• Once admitted by an immigration officer in F-1 status, you may begin your studies.

Notify the International Office when your application has been approved

• The change of status process is not complete until ISSO staff register your new status in SEVIS. If this step does not occur, your new status will expire within 30 days
• After your approval, submit a copy of your I-94 and visa (or approval notice if you changed your status in the U.S.)
• Submit Visa and I94 

Gather required documents for SAU I20

• SAU Affidavit of Support
• Bank Statement (dated within 6mths of applying for I20)
• Copy of Current Visa