Change of Status to F-1

An F-1 student is a nonimmigrant student who is pursuing a "full-course of study" to achieve a specific educational or professional objective, at an academic institution in the U.S. A student requesting a change of status will acquire F-1 status by using the form I-20, issued by International Education Services (IES). Change of status is acquired in one of two ways:

 

  1. Traveling Abroad, by entering the U.S. with the I-20 and obtaining a F-1 student visa
  2. In the U.S. by applying for change of status to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Eligibility

In general, non-immigrants who are maintaining lawful status may apply for change of status to F-1.

Exceptions

J-1 or J-2 cannot change status to F-1 if subject to Section 212(e), also known as the "two-year home residency requirement".

Changing Status within the United States

Step 1

Make an initial appointment with an International Student Advisor.

Step 2 Gather the following:

  • Letter from advisor, indicating when you are expected to complete all degree requirements.
  • Form I-539: Application to extend or change to non-immigrant status
  • $300 check made payable to "Department of Homeland Security"
  • I-797 form: Proof of payment of $100 SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Original form I-20 (generated from the IES office)
  • Original copies of your financial support information
  • Dependent family member documentation
  • Photocopy of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, I-94 card and passport ID pages
  • Cover letter explaining why you wish to change status
  • Anyone in A or G status will have to fill and file form I-566 for clearance from their organization to either the Department of State or the Office of Host Country Affairs at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations within 10 days of the completion of A or G employment. After the I-566 has been approved, you will be eligible to apply for change of status.

Step 3

Make follow up appointment with an International Student Advisor to review documents and to create change of status I-20.

Step 4

Mail application materials to the appropriate USCIS Service Center. If in Maryland, DC or Virginia mail to:

USCIS
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

*If you use an address in another state please visit www.uscis.gov and click on Services Field Office Addresses and Information to find the correct service center.

Step 5

You will receive a notice from USCIS within two-three weeks indicating that they have received your application. The Vermont USCIS usually takes about two to four months to make a decision. Other USCIS offices may take longer.

Step 6

Once your application is approved, please bring all of your documents back to IES, within two weeks of approval so that we may switch your status to F-1 in the University of Maryland system. Remember that if you wish to work on-campus, you must wait until the change of status has been approved. F-2 dependents cannot work in the U.S.