Change of Nonimmigrant Status

When to apply: You must apply to the USCIS for change of status if you are in one nonimmigrant classification and want to change to another classification.

Changing from F-1 to another status

What you need to do:

• Obtain an I-539 Form (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) from ISSS and complete.
• Turn in to ISSS the following documents:
  1. Completed I-539
  2. Your check or money order (no cash) of $300 ($290 after 11/23/2010) payable to the Department of Homeland Security.  
  3. Your adjudicated I-20 ID
  4. A copy of your I 94 and those of your dependents, if applicable. The I-94 is the white card stapled to your passport.
  5. Evidence of your eligibility for new status (DS-2019...)
  6. Evidence of your financial support for the new status.

• Issue any new forms necessary to support your eligibility;
• Review documents making sure that the forms are filled in properly and the packet is complete;
• Send the packet to the USCIS in Lincoln, Nebraska.

What USCIS will do:

• USCIS will make the decision by issuing you a Form I-797 approval notice or a denial and sending it to your home address.

Changing from another status to F-1

What you need to do:

• Obtain an I-539 Form (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) from ISSS and complete.
• Turn in to ISSS the following documents:
  1. Completed I-539
  2. Your check or money order (no cash) of $300 payable to Department of Homeland Security.  
  3. A copy of your I-94 and those of your dependents, if applicable.
  4. Evidence of your eligibility for F-1 status (I-20)
  5. Evidence of your financial support.
  6. Evidence of SEVIS Fee payment

• Issue any new forms necessary to support your eligibility;
• Review documents making sure that the forms are filled in properly and the packet is complete;
• Send the packet to the USCIS office in Lincoln, Nebraska.

What USCIS will do:

• USCIS will make the decision by issuing you a Form I-797 approval notice or denial notice. No action should be taken without consulting an international student advisor.