UMD: A Globally Connected University

Change of Status

Change of Status

 

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: By application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or by international travel.

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 method of changing status meets your goals and timeline.

Changing Status by Travel (Recommended by ISSS)

It is possible to change visa status by leaving the U.S. and applying for a student visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.  Once you enter the U.S. with your student visa you will have that status (as indicated on your I-94 card).

Advantage

  • In most cases it may be much quicker to change your status this way.
  • You will receive a visa stamp in your passport.

Disadvantage

  • Your application may be delayed or denied. 
  • The flight home is an added expense in addition to application fees for the visa.

Important points to know:

  • Your change of status is not complete until you reenter the United States and meet with an international student advisor to activate your F-1 immigration record.
  • If you are changing your status from B-2, you may begin classes only after you return to the United States and obtain F-1 status.
  • If changing from F-2 to F-1, you may only begin full time classes after you return to the United States in F-1 status.
  • You may begin on-campus employment only after you reenter in F-1 status and check-in with ISSS.
  • You may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date listed in section 5 of the Initial I-20. Therefore it is important to plan your travel carefully.

 

Steps to Changing Status By Travel

Obtain the initial I-20

After meeting with an international student advisor and deciding to change status via travel, the international student advisor will collect a signed change of status acknowledgement form and give guidance for how to apply for the I-20. During the I-20 application, information will be collected about your estimated graduation date, and proof of funding for one year of estimated expenses.

Pay the SEVIS fee

Payment may be made only after obtaining an I-20. For more information about the SEVIS fee, please refer to the Department of Homeland Security's website on the I-901 SEVIS fee.

Depart the US and obtain the US F-1 visa

When you leave the United States, you will need the Form I-20 to obtain an F-1 visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy. It is not possible to obtain an F-1 visa inside the United States.

We recommend that you make your visa appointment in your home country or country of residence. Please visit our Visa Information web page for more information on how to apply for a visa.

Re-enter the US in F1 status

  • You may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date listed in section 5 of the Initial I-20.
  • At the port of entry present your I-20 and newly acquired F-1 visa to the inspection officer.
  • After you return to the United States in F-1 status review and print your I-94 information. The I-94 record should  indicate “F-1” and “D/S.” 
  • Once you have arrived in the US, complete the F-1 orientation modules and your immigration documents check. The documents check is required for the activation of your SEVIS record. Failure to complete the documents check in a timely manner could lead to the termination of your F-1 record and the loss of your immigration status.

 

Change status within the United States

In general, non-immigrants who are maintaining lawful status may apply for a change of status within the U.S. by applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The latest guidance from USCIS holds that for a foreign national to be eligible for a change of status to F-1 classification, their current status must be valid through at least thirty days prior to the start date on the SEVIS Form I-20.  A foreign national who requests a change of status to F-1 classification but whose current status will expire more than thirty days prior to the program start date on the SEVIS Form I-20 will have their change of status request denied.

Advantage

  • You may remain in the U.S. while your application is pending.
  • Depending on your current visa status you may be eligible to begin or continue your studies while your application is pending.

Disadvantage

  • The application process is lengthy and there is no guarantee your application will be approved.
  • Some visa categories (i.e.  F-2 status) must wait until their application is approved before they can begin full time studies.
  • 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".
  • You will not receive a visa stamp in your passport.

Steps to Changing Status by USCIS application

Obtaining the change of status I-20

After meeting with an International Student Advisor and deciding to change status in the United States, follow their instructions to submit these documents to ISSS for review: 

  • Cover letter explaining why you wish to change status
  • Completed Form I-539: Application to extend or change non-immigrant status
  • Original copies of your financial support information.  Acceptable sources of funding can be found here.
  • Photocopy of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, I-94 card and passport ID pages
  • If you are in a dependent visa status: Photocopy of the primary's current immigration status documents, visa stamp, I-94 card and passport ID pages
  • If applicable: Dependent family member documentation
  • If changing status to J-1: Proof of health insurance
  • Anyone in A or G status: 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.
  • Completed Change of Status Acknowledgment Form
  • If you are a current student, confirmation from your academic advisor, indicating when you are expected to complete all degree requirements. (E-form submission)

File the application with USCIS

After the new I-20/DS-2019 is issued, file the change of status application with USCIS.

The completed change of status application should include:

  • Cover letter explaining why you wish to change status
  • Original I-20/DS-2019 indicating your change of status (generated by ISSS)
  • I-797 form: Proof of payment of SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Form I-539: Application to extend or change non-immigrant status
  • $370 Filing Fee and $85 Biometric Fee made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"  
  • Original copies of your financial support information. 
  • Photocopy of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, I-94 card and passport ID pages
  • If you are in a dependent visa status: Photocopy of the primary current immigration status documents, visa stamp, I-94 card and passport ID pages
  • If applicable: Dependent family member documentation (enclose additional biometric fees for each dependent)
  • For anyone in A or G status: Completed I-566

We suggest you retain photocopies of your application for your records.  Mail application materials to the appropriate USCIS Service Center.  Please indicate clearly "I-539: Change of status form" on the outside of the envelope. Use a traceable mailing system.  

Receive the receipt notice from USCIS

You should receive a notice from USCIS within two to three weeks indicating they have received your application. Please send your ISSS advisor a copy of the receipt.

After the application is approved

Once your change of status is approved, please notify your ISSS advisor immediately. The advisor will give you access to complete the mandatory immigration videos and documents check to activate your SEVIS record. Remember that if you wish to work on-campus, you must wait until the change of status has been approved and your I-20 is activated by ISSS.