- Form I-539 Application to extend or change nonimmigrant status. The form is available on the USCIS web site at: http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-539.htm
- Complete the form I-539 and submit the appropriate fee. Check the USCIS web site for fees.
- Original I-20 with student and DSO signature, (issued by STU, ISA) You must inform the admissions office that you are applying for Change of Status, because it will be noted on your I-20 Form.
- Photocopy of Form I-94 departure card front and back
- Photocopy of Passport Identity page
- Photocopy of Visa page
- Photocopy of Financial Support Documents
- Letter of admission to STU for current semester
- Letter from the prospective student explaining why he/she wants to change status to F-1 and that he/she intends to return to his/her home country.
Note: change of status from H-1 may require additional documentation.
It is the student’s responsibility to follow the instructions and to submit all of the application materials directly to the USCIS. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your documents before mailing them to USCIS. You must also submit a copy of the documents to the ISA. You should also keep track of the date your application was mailed to the USCIS so you can monitor your case status.
You should receive an official receipt notice with the date your application was received and a case number unique to you in approximately 10 days. Secure this notice. You will need the SRC case number to track your case status on-line.
Once the documents are filed at the USCIS, you may check the status of your application at the USCIS by going to the following web site: https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp
Once you receive the approval notice from USCIS, send a copy of the notice and your new I-94 card to ISA and we will update your SEVIS record.
VERY IMPORTANT:
If your change of status has not been approved by the start of the semester and you currently hold F-2 status, you will not be permitted to enroll and your admission may be deferred to the next semester. Contact the Admissions Office immediately if this happens.
Change of status from within the U.S. can take from 3 to 6 months. Travel out of the U.S. is not permitted while the application is pending at USCIS. If you leave the U.S. the application will be terminated and you will need to apply for a visa at the U.S. consulate in your home country.
For a list of U.S. consulates go to the U.S. State Department’s Web site at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions_embassy.html and their visa services web page at: http://travel.state.gov/visa
For more information, and other updates contact the ISA or the Office of Admissions.
Students wanting to change status from F-1 to another status should consult with the ISA.