Change of Status to F-1

Students in the United States in any non-immigrant status (except for C, D, K, M or J visas with residency requirements) can apply for a change of status to F-1. It is recommended that students consult with an ISS advisor. 

Acquiring F-1 status

International students who are currently in the United States have 2 options for acquiring F-1 status: 

Depart the United States and apply from your home country

  • This option requires you to depart the United States and request an initial I-20 from OCC. 

  • Once the I-20 is acquired, you must apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy in your home country. If approved for the F-1 visa, you can enter the U.S. in F-1 status based on the program dates listed on the I-20.

  • If you’re using this process, please follow the steps for prospective students outlined on our Admissions page.

Remain in the United States and apply directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a Change of Status to F-1

  • Applying for a Change of Status is a complicated process that can take 12-18 months for review and processing with USCIS. 

  • If you plan to pursue a Change of Status while remaining in the U.S., you must first gain admission to OCC. 

  • Upon admission, you must complete the I-20 request form for a Change of Status I-20. A Change of Status I-20 is a specific issuance category and is only used when applying directly to USCIS from inside the U.S. for a Change of Status. 

  • If you decide to depart the U.S. and apply for the F-1 visa from your home country, talk with an International Student Services advisor so that we can update the I-20 to an initial issuance category.

Prospective students in B1/B2 status: 

If you entered the U.S. with a B1/B2 visa status, you are prohibited from enrolling in courses until after USCIS approves a Change of Status request. 
Source: 8 CFR § 214.2(b)(7) and §248.1(c)

Prospective students in F-2 status: 

Individuals with an active F-2 status are eligible for part-time study while in the U.S. and while their Change of Status case is pending with USCIS as long as they continue to maintain their F-2 status. Once the F-1 status is approved by USCIS students must then enroll full-time based on the I-20 start date provided to them by ISS. Source: 8 CFR § 214.2(f)(15)(ii)

Prospective students in other visa statuses: 

Consult with the rules specific to the visa status associated with your entry to the U.S. or with an immigration attorney for guidance. 

How to file with USCIS

Students can file the I-539 with USCIS online or by mail. International Student Services recommends students file online as it offers faster submission, easier payment options and case updates. For instructions on how to file electronically (online) with USCIS please view the USCIS instructions. 

Students preferring to file by mail should speak with an International Student Services  advisor for assistance. 

IMPORTANT: Do not file your application to USCIS until you have received the Change of Status I-20 from ISS. 

Documents needed to apply

  • Change of Status I-20 issued by OCC International Student Services.

  • A cover letter requesting the change of status from your current status to F-1. Be sure to include an explanation as why you wish to change to F-1 status list of the documentation you are including with your application.

  • USCIS Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status: Read all instructions carefully as they differ if you choose to file with a paper application or use the e-filing option. The application form will include an application fee of $420 for online, or $470 for paper filing.

  • Evidence of financial support (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc., that equal the amount listed on the Form I-20)

  • Copy of your admission letter from OCC or current OCC transcripts.

  • Copy of all pages of your I-20. Make sure to sign the “Student Attestation” section on page 1.

  • Copy of the receipt indicating payment of the SEVIS fee. Please note the SEVIS fee is separate from the application fee for USCIS.

  • Copies of all immigration documents showing you are in lawful non-immigrant status. Examples include Form I-94, visa stamp, previous I-20's, EAD cards, I-797, etc). Documents you have will depend on your current and previous nonimmigrant status. 

  • Copy of biographical page of your passport

  • If you were previously in J status and are subject to the 212(e) Two-Year Foreign Residency Requirement, you must have an approved I-612 waiver. See an ISS advisor for assistance. 

ISS recommends that you make a copy of this application for your own record.

Pending Change of Status case

  • After submitting the I-539 application to USCIS it is important to keep International Student Services updated.

  • If your case is not adjudicated by the start date listed on your I-20, you must request an updated I-20 from ISS. 

  • To request the updated I-20, go to the F-1 Student Portal and complete the I-20 Deferral Request. 

  • After receiving the updated I-20, you must provide the new I-20 as additional evidence to your USCIS case.