Change of Status (to F-1 status)

While in the U.S., your current nonimmigrant status may no longer fit your situation. For example, you may be "aging out" of a dependent status or your primary purpose for being in the U.S. has changed.

If you want to change your status (either by exiting and reentering or by applying for a Change of Status [COS] within the U.S. using Form I-539), ISSS recommends consulting a licensed immigration attorney. The COS process with USCIS is complex. An attorney can help you decide if applying in the U.S. or traveling abroad is better for your situation. ISSS cannot review your I-539 or offer legal advice.

Options for Changing to F-1 Status

You have two options:

  1. Exit and Reenter (apply for an F-1 visa abroad)
  2. Apply for a Change of Status in the U.S. (Form I-539)

To fully understand these two options, it’s important that you understand the difference between visa and status.

Key questions to consider:

  • When does your current status expire?
  • Does your current status allow for work or full-time study?
  • When must your F-1 status begin?
  • Will you need to work on campus (e.g., assistantship)?
  • Can you travel and return before your program starts?
  • Are you planning international travel within the year?
  • What are USCIS processing times? Will you premium process your application?
  • Do you plan to apply for off-campus work authorization, CPT or OPT?
  • When will you graduate?
  • Do you have a pending green card application?

Comparison of Options

Category

Exit & Reentry

Change of Status (I-539)

CostVisa fee, travel, SEVIS fee.I-539 fee (plus optional premium), SEVIS fee.
Timeline1-3 months – varies significantly (check visa wait times).1-6 months (check USCIS times if not premium processing).
TravelMust apply for F-1 visa (unless Canadian); enter up to 30 days before program starts.Must stay in U.S. until approval; must get F-1 visa if traveling after approval.
StudyingSome visa statuses allow for either full-time or part-time study prior to obtaining F-1 status.Some visas statuses allow for either full-time or part-time study prior to changing to F-1 status.
On-campus Work & CPT/OPTOn-campus employment is allowed after re-entry in F-1 status and up to 30 days prior to the start date of classes.  CPT/OPT only after two semesters of full-time study.On-campus employment is allowed only after COS approval and within 30 days of the start date of classes. CPT/OPT only after two semesters of full-time study.

Important Note: USCIS may consider travel/reentry a break in status. A Change of Status by I-539 may be a better option if you want to request CPT/OPT soon after gaining F-1 status.

Steps to Obtain F-1 Status

Through Travel:

  1. Submit required documents via Change to F-1 Status Request Form (DocuSign) and receive an initial attendance I-20 from ISSS.
  2. Pay SEVIS fee.
  3. Apply for F-1 visa abroad.
  4. Reenter the U.S. in F-1 status (max 30 days before program start date).
  5. Complete Immigration Check-in (MyISSS Portal) and Immigration Essentials Course (Canvas).

Through Change of Status in the U.S.:

  1. Submit documents via Change to F-1 Status Request Form (DocuSign) and receive a change of status I-20 from ISSS.
  2. Pay SEVIS fee.
  3. Submit Form I-539 with supporting documents to USCIS.
  4. Send ISSS the I-539 receipt number
  5. Wait for approval.
  6. Complete Immigration Check-in (MyISSS Portal) and Immigration Essentials Course (Canvas).

General Recommendations:

  • Start the COS process before your current status expires.
  • Meet with an ISSS advisor to discuss your timeline.
  • Inform ISSS of any USCIS updates (RFE, denial, approval).
  • If your COS isn’t approved by your I-20 start date, ISSS will defer your start.
  • If you must travel before approval, contact ISSS—you may need to withdraw your I-539.
  • Understand the rules for maintaining F-1 status, especially regarding full-time enrollment.
  • To allow ISSS to discuss your case with others (e.g., parent, spouse) submit a FERPA Consent to Release.

FAQs

  • Submit the Change to F-1 Status Request Form,
  • Upload proof of funding for one academic year with request form
  • Upload a valid passport with request form,
  • Provide a home country address on the request form.
  • If you are eligible for in-state tuition, you will also be asked to submit written proof from Tuition Classification.

 Not necessarily. Contact Tuition Classification for details.

es, the F-1 SEVIS record recommending the change of status will inactivate if it is not approved within 60 days of the F-1 program start date. This means that ISSS may need to coordinate with you to amend the start date while the I-539 change of status is pending.
Make sure your funding documentation is up to date when filing I-539 (less than 6 months old).

If you decide to delay the I-539 filing or if you choose not to file for a COS, please let ISSS know so that we can update the F-1 SEVIS record accordingly.

  • The requested F-1 program end date should be D/S.
  • Use the program start date listed on the I-20 as the requested start date on the I-539.
  • Requests for Evidence regarding funding are common. ISSS recommends you submit updated bank statements along with an affidavit of support that reflects you have the available funds indicated on the I-20.
  • Pay the SEVIS fee before filing.

Usually yes, if the I-539 was filed before your status expired. Always consult an attorney to fully understand the immigration implications if your previous status will end prior to the approval of the change of status.

If your COS is pending, you can only study if your current status allows you to study. ISSS can defer your F-1 program start date if needed.

No. You must wait for COS approval. Once your change of status to F-1 has been approved, you are not eligible for on-campus employment more than 30 days prior to the start date of classes.

Students approved for a change of status to F-1 may only begin using F-1 benefits—such as on-campus employment—up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their I-20. Because this date can change due to USCIS processing times or deferrals made by ISSS, students must check with an ISSS advisor before engaging in any F-1-related activities to confirm eligibility.

You can read more about general On-campus Employment restrictions and applying for a Social Security Number.

You may lose legal status. Remaining in the U.S. without legal immigration status may have serious immigration consequences.  ISSS recommends consulting an immigration attorney regarding your options should your change of status application be denied.

To become eligible for practical training, benefits of the F-1 status, you must

  • Be a degree-seeking student currently in valid F-1 status and
  • Have completed one full academic year (Fall & Spring semester) of continuous full-time enrollment in active nonimmigrant status.


For example, someone who, prior to changing status to F-1, was attending school full time in lawful nonimmigrant status as a J-1 student, or as a dependent in the A, E, G, H, J, L, O, and TN nonimmigrant categories, could use the time they spent studying full-time in that status towards meeting the "one academic year” practical training eligibility requirement.

Note: ISSS will recommend practical training for those who meet the requirements above and have exited and reentered to change status. However, USCIS may interpret an exit and reentry as a break in status. Thus, a change in status through I-539 is recommended if you wish to be approved for practical training eligibility less than two semesters after the change to F-1 status.

Additional Resources

USCIS Form & I-539 Instructions