Filing a Change of Status

Eligibility

An alien in most nonimmigrant statuses except C, D, K, or M (and in certain cases J and B), and except an alien who has entered the United States under the terms of the Visa-Waiver Program, can apply for a change to/from F-1 status if he or she has maintained lawful nonimmigrant status up to the time the application is filed. 

If at any time in this process you have questions, please visit with your international student advisor. Note that this page refers to documents needed to do a change of status from within the United States. Sometimes it is more appropriate to travel back to your home country to receive a new visa stamp for the new status. Your international student advisor can discuss those options with you. Remember that when you file for a change of status from within the United States, you will not receive a visa stamp in your passport, and that once you have filed you cannot leave the United States while the application is pending as that would be considered abandonment of the change of status petition.

Links

USCIS

Changing to F-1 Status

USCIS Processing Times

In addition - to best advise you, you must notify us of any other changes of status you currently have pending or planned for yourself in the near future, including any application for permanent residency (greencard). Failing to notify us of these situations can lead to immigration status problems and serious complications with your case(s).

Reminders When Filing a Change of Status
  • Also note that a change of status by travel may also be an option in your situation - please contact your international student advisor with any questions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the method you use to change your visa status.
  • All applicants below must submit the I-539 form. Any USCIS forms listed here can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/forms. 
  • Turn in any requested documents to the NDSU Office of International Student and Study Abroad Services (ISSAS). Please contact ISSAS if you have questions about your change of status plans.
  • Our office will review the documents and will prepare them and will notify you when they are ready.
  • Please note: If you are a J-1 (or J-2) who wishes to change your status to F-1, you must first visit with your international student advisor about your status and current J visa. Usually you will be required to travel home to get an F-1 visa stamp and not complete a change of status in the U.S. using the application process below. Visit with your international student advisor with any questions before beginning this process.
When to File for F-1 Status

Note: For any changes to F-1, it is recommended to turn in your application 6+ months prior to when you wish to begin studies as an F-1 student. Changes of status can take up to approximately 15 months in some cases. Please check the USCIS.gov website for current estimated processing times.

Step 1. Submit these Documents to the ISSAS Office

Complete the Change of Status Agreement Form (DocuSign form)

  1. A statement from you must be uploaded to this form which explains your reason for a change of status
  2. Bank statement and financial documents should also be uploaded.

Step 2. Wait for ISSAS Office Approval

If you are changing to F-1 or F-2 status, the ISSAS office will issue you a new I-20.

If you are changing to F-1 status, please pay the SEVIS fee at https://www.fmjfee.com/.

Step 3. Submit your I-539 Petition to USCIS

  1. USCIS Form I-539
    • $370 application fee (and $85 biometrics fee) Effective for applications submitted online Oct. 1, 2023 or later: Biometrics no longer required as part of the process for the I-539. 
      • Paid online at the time of submitting the I-539 form
      • If you have dependents included in your application a separate biometrics fee must be paid for each additional person.
    • You can verify the fee amounts in the "Filing Fee" section of the I-539 page on the USCIS website linked to above, in #1.
  2. Copies of your current immigration documents. 
    • A of your passport biography page
    • I-94 record showing most recent entry
    • If you are in F or J status, your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019)
    • Visa stamp in passport or any I-797 approval notice from USCIS showing your current status. 
    • If you are a dependent, also collect the immigration documents of your spouse/parent.
  3. A copy of your admission letter to NDSU
    • Include this only if you are changing to F-1 student status. If you are changing from student to dependent status, no admission letter is required.
  4. The new signed F-1 I-20 for "Change of Status" requested (and the I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt), or the new dependent F-2 I-20.
  5. Your statement (from Step 1) about why you are requesting the change of status
  6. Your financial documents (from Step 1)
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