Change of Status

This means you are in the U.S. and you desire to change your nonimmigrant status to a student status to attend classes at a U.S. college/university or a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.

Be mindful that if you entered on the Visa Waiver Program, you are not eligible for change of status in the U.S.

To change your nonimmigrant status and remain in the U.S., the application is submitted to USCIS. Please adhere to the following steps:

• Receive admittance into a SEVP-certified institution.
• Receive your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20/DS-2019)
• Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
• File the Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change to Nonimmigrant Status with USCIS. (Please carefully read the information on the website to ensure that your nonimmigrant status is eligible for change of status.)

Be mindful that you must wait for approval before you can begin your studies.

If you have not received a decision about your status from USCIS at least 15 days before your program start date, please contact our office. You may not be eligible to attend the semester for which you were admitted.

If you apply for a change of status more than 30 days before your program start date, you are not required to receive a decision from USCIS up until 30 days before your program start date.

If the USCIS processing times prevents you from starting your studies in the semester that you were admitted, you will not be out of status if your program start date is deferred. However, due to university policies you may need to apply for another semester in order for your DSO to change your program start date.

You must wait until you receive an approval from USCIS and be within 30 days within the program start date to make changes to your activity in the U.S.

You cannot leave the U.S. when you have a pending application. If you do so, your application will be closed.

You current status must be unexpired until at least 30 days before your program start date of your newly issued DS-2019.

You cannot leave the U.S. when you have a pending application. If you do so, your application will be closed.

If you are currently an F-1 student who receives funding from IWORK, you MUST change your visa from F-1 to J-1.

Students of F-1 status wishing to make a change are discouraged from filing the Form I-539 because of the lengthy processing times and the cost of the application. Therefore, students must plan to return to their home country and apply for a J-1 visa through their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Instructions:

1. After receiving admittance from the IWORK Work-Study Program, students must fill up the F-1 to J-1 Sunapsis e-form in order to request a DS-2019 from our office.
2. Students are also encouraged to make an appointment with their ISS advisor to discuss the change.
3. After receiving the DS-2019 from the ISS office, students would then be able to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) and book a visa interview appointment in their home country. Students are also required to complete the travel authorization form Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) so that the office is aware of their travel plans.
4. Students must complete the travel authorization form and plan to return to the U.S. within 30 days of the program start date on their DS-2019 and check in with the ISS office as a J-1 visa holder when they return to campus.

What if my J-1 visa is denied?

Students must inform the ISS office immediately.

If the student:

• can provide proof of financial support for one year
• still has a valid F-1 visa stamp in their passport

• received approval from the ISS office

  then they can plan to return to campus as an F-1 student. However, they cannot remain on the IWORK program.

If not, students can meet with an ISS advisor via Zoom to discuss their options.

Due to the lengthy processing times and the cost of the I-539 application with USCIS, students are encouraged to return to their home country and apply for a visa through their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Instructions

1. The student must request an I-20 from the ISS office and indicate financial support for at least one year by completing the Affidavit of Support and by providing proof of funds.
2. After receiving your I-20 you can complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and make an appointment at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
3. Students are reminded to be mindful of the program start date on their I-20 and must plan to return within 30 days of the start date. Students must also complete the travel authorization form before returning home.

What if my F-1 visa is denied?

Students must contact the ISS office immediately.

If the student:

• is eligible for readmittance into the PAS or IWORK program
• has a valid J-1 visa stamp

• received approval from the ISS office

  then the student can plan to return as a J-1 student and remain on the IWORK or PAS program. The student must not make changes to their funding until after receiving the F-1 visa stamp.

Access the Forms tab on USCIS for application and instructions. Access USCIS Form I-539 - you may apply online or download the application to submit it by mail. Please note that all USCIS forms provide instructions, which you should review prior to completing any application.

Gather and prepare the following documents on the checklist below – if you are married, include the same documentation for your spouse also, as well as for any dependent children included. If you choose to file online, then you will upload your evidence as instructed. If you choose to mail in your application, be sure to include all required documentation prior to mailing.

• Completed and signed USCIS Form I-539 application.
• Original and copy of your I-94 Arrival/Departure record.
• Copy of your passport, including visa page, passport number, expiration date, stamped pages, and photograph/biographical identification page.
• Copy of Form DS-2019 and/or Form I-20.
• Evidence of financial means of support.
• Personal, signed statement explaining why you are applying for a change of status.
• Copy of marriage record (if applicable).
• Application payment.

After gathering this material, consult with an ISS advisor on the specifics of your application regarding the status you are pursuing.

After the Change of Status is approved by USCIS, you must submit the approval notice to ISS to update your student record.

Obtain an initial certificate of eligibility from International Student Services after meeting with an advisor to discuss the process and options available. You must meet eligibility standards of the visa category to receive an initial certificate of eligibility.

NOTE: If you are changing to a J visa, you will need an initial DS-2019. If you are changing to an F visa, you will need an initial I-20.

1. Leave the U.S., apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
2. Reenter the U.S. with the new visa and initial certificate of eligibility.
3. Submit a copy of your new visa stamp and I-94 to ISS after arriving in the United States.