Change of Status

Any Changes of Immigration Status including, H-4 to F-1, F-2 to F-1, and L-2 to F-1, requires an I-20 from OIA. To process an I-20, students must submit the following information to OIA:

• University Acceptance Letter
• Proof of Financial Resources
  • See Financials on International Admissions webpage (Meet the Immigration Requirements)
  • Students may use a Sponsorship Form for their financial support
• Biographical Form
• Passport copy
• Most recent I-94 and visa

After receiving the I-20, students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and then file the I-539, Application to Extend/Change Immigrant Status with USCIS. The online processing of Form I-539 is $420. Read Form I 539 instructions to determine if you need to pay other fees based on individual circumstances.

While completing Form I-539, students have the option to select premium processing by completing Form I 907 and paying $1,965. Regular processing for I-539 applications for the change of status takes between 3 to 6 months on average. Premium processing is approximately three weeks.

After completing Form I-539, students must submit the following documents to USCIS:

• Copy of I-20 from their university
• University acceptance letter
• Copy of passport
• Copy of a recent I-94
• Details of any past visas or visa extensions
• Proof of having enough finances to pay for tuition and living expenses
• Cover letter explaining why they wish to change their status
• Proof of planning to return to their home country after their F-1 Visa expires
• Receipt(s) confirming all relevant fees are paid

The exact documents required by USCIS may vary depending on the individual circumstances of each
student. OIA encourages students to consult with an immigration lawyer for assistance in completing a
portfolio of evidence for the I-539 Change of Status application.