Changing to F-1 Immigration status

If you are in the United States in a valid immigration status, you may be eligible to change your status to F-1. A visa is different from nonimmigrant status.  A visa is physically stamped inside your passport.  There are two ways to change your status: 

• international travel, or
• application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 

To begin your change of status, an initial appointment is required with an international student advisor. During the appointment, the advisor will discuss your individual situation and make recommendations about which of the following methods of changing status meets your goals and timeline.