Filing a Change of Status

Please contact your international student advisor with further questions or to Schedule a meeting

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.

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).

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)

A statement from you must be uploaded to this form which explains your reason for a change of status
Bank statement and financial documents should also be uploaded.
- If your financial sponsor is located in the U.S., and is someone other than your own husband/wife, it is recommended you provide a signed letter of support from your sponsor.
- For calculating finances needed: https://www.ndsu.edu/international/apply/cost
- Financial Documentation Guidelines: https://www.ndsu.edu/international/iss/new/financials/

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/.

F-2 to F-1

NDSU admission letter
Submit a copy of your spouse's (or parent's) I-20, visa, I-94 record, and passport biography/photo page
Submit a copy of your F-2 I-20, visa, I-94 record, and passport biography/photo page, and a copy of your marriage certificate (or birth certificate if you are a dependent child of the F-1) (with English translation if necessary)
Your new SEVIS I-20 (For 'Change of Status Requested')
• This is issued by an international student advisor after your entire application is complete.
Copy of I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
• Pay this online at http://www.fmjfee.com after your new SEVIS I-20 has been issued by your international student advisor.

H-1 to F-1

NDSU admission letter
Copy of your H-1 approval notice, visa, I-94, passport (biography and photo page)
Letter from most recent employer explaining your last day of employment or expected last day of employment.
Please also include your last pay stub/statement.
• Important: It is best for your immigration status if the change of status to F-1 can be filed while you still employed. The service center must receive your change of status application no later than 10 days after your H-1 employment has ended. Please plan accordingly.
SEVIS I-20 (For 'Change of Status Requested')
• This is issued by an international student advisor after your entire application is complete.
Copy of I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
• Pay this online at www.fmjfee.com after your new SEVIS I-20 has been issued by your international student advisor.

H-4 to F-1

NDSU admission letter
Submit a copy of your spouse's H-1 approval notice, visa, I-94 and passport biography/photo page
Submit a copy of your H-4 approval notice, visa, I-94 and passport biography/photo page and a copy of your marriage certificate (or a birth certificate if you are a dependent child of the H-1B) (with English translation if necessary)
Your new SEVIS I-20 (For 'Change of Status Requested')
• This is issued by an international student advisor after your entire application is complete.
Copy of I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
• Pay this online at www.fmjfee.com after your new SEVIS I-20 has been issued by your international student advisor.

J-1 to F-1

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.

NDSU admission letter
Copy of your DS-2019, visa, I-94 record and passport (biography/photo page)
New SEVIS I-20
- This is issued by an international student advisor after your entire application is complete.
Copy of I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt: Pay this online at www.fmjfee.com after your new SEVIS I-20 has been issued by your international student advisor.