Changing from Any Non-Immigrant Status to F-1

There are two ways to apply for a change of status:

  1. From within the U.S. / without travel by submitting the petition to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Service Center; or
  2. Through travel and physical application at U.S. Embassy or Consulate, preferably in your home country

This is an important decision that should only be made after careful consultation with an immigration attorney. Please refer to the Immigration Attorneys Resources for resources regarding this matte

Note: USCIS will carefully monitor maintenance of status for all non-immigrants in all non-immigrant categories.  Accumulation of 180 days of unlawful presence  could result in a three-year, re-entry bar to the U.S.  Accumulation of 180+ days of unlawful presence could result in a ten-year, re-entry bar to the U.S. All non-immigrants must have a valid status at all times while in the U.S.  Non-immigrants should not remain in the U.S. after completion of academic degree, practical training or other work authorization or status beyond any authorized grace period without a new authorized non-immigrant status.  This includes complying with any parolee instructions and timelines, when applicable.

OPTION 1: Change of Status within the U.S.

This is for individuals already in the United States who are maintaining their visa status in a nonimmigrant category other than F-1. They can apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change to F-1 status either by mail or online.

Keep in mind:

  • It can take 6+ months for USCIS to adjudicate a Change of Status Petition, so it is CRUCIAL that you make this decision carefully after discussing it with an experienced immigration attorney. We recommend obtaining two opinions.
  • You should discuss any potential status violations that may result in accumulation of “Unlawful Presence”, especially knowing that most change of status petitions can take 7+ months.
  • Issuance of a Form I-20 alone does NOT change your status, remedy any previous or existing status violations, or prevent accumulation of unlawful presence. The Change of Status I-20 cannot be used if you decide to apply for a change of status through travel (see Option 2).

Link to two separate pages for I-539 filing:

I-20 Program Start Date

If the I-539 application is not adjudicated by the original start date on the I-20, the program start date will have to be amended to a later date. You may also need to defer your admission to another semester if your current visa status prohibits you from enrolling in a full-time degree program. Please consult with International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) for further procedure.

Travel and Re-enter the U.S. after Change of Status Approval

If you travel outside the U.S. for the first time after the change of status approval, you must apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy abroad in order to re-enter the U.S.

For further information about visa applications, please refer to the Department of State website or the ISSO travel page.

OPTION 2: Travel Abroad and Consular Processing

A nonimmigrant who obtains an F-1 nonimmigrant visa through the U.S. embassy abroad.

NOTE: Form I-539 will not be needed, but you will still need to submit the same documentation to the ISSO for I-20 issuance. ISSO will process an “Initial” I-20 Form. Applying for a change of status through travel should be discussed with an immigration attorney carefully. Feel free to obtain a couple of opinions, to fully educate yourself on the process. ISSO cannot make this decision for you. The change of status I-20 through travel cannot be used if you are applying in the U.S.