Change of Status to F-1

You must apply for a change of status if your current visa type no longer matches your purpose in the United States.

If you are already in the U.S. and want to study in F-1 status, you have two options:

Apply for a change of status within the U.S. through USCIS
Travel outside the U.S. and reenter with an F-1 visa

If you travel outside the U.S. after changing status within the U.S., you must still apply for an F-1 visa before returning.

You may be eligible to apply for a change of status if:

You were lawfully admitted to the U.S.
You are maintaining your current status
You have not violated immigration rules

You are not eligible to apply inside the U.S. if:

You entered under the Visa Waiver Program
You hold certain visa types (such as C, D, or K)
You are subject to the J-1 two-year home residency requirement and do not have a waiver

Your Options and Next Steps

What to Expect

You remain in the United States while USCIS reviews your application.

Key considerations:

Processing can take several months
You cannot travel outside the U.S. during processing
You cannot work or use F-1 benefits until approved
If denied, you must leave the U.S. immediately

How to Apply

Step 1: Request your Change of Status I-20
Submit the 'Change of Immigration Status to F-1' request in accessVIS. If you are eligible, you will be notified when your Form I-20 is available to download in accessVIS.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and keep your receipt.

Step 3: File Form I-539 with USCIS
Submit your Form I-539 application online or by mail. USCIS will send you a receipt notice and later a decision.

Optional: Premium Processing
You may request faster processing (30 days) for an additional fee. Review current costs and timelines before applying.

Step 4: Complete Check-In After Approval
Once approved, complete the F-1 International Student Check-In
in accessVIS to activate your SEVIS record.

While Your Application Is Pending

Your ability to study depends on your current status:

F-2: Part-time study only (full-time allowed after approval)
B-1/B-2 or Visa Waiver: You cannot begin studying until approved
Other statuses (e.g., H-4, J-2): Full-time study may be allowed

You cannot work in any capacity until your F-1 status is approved.

Who Can Study?

Additional Considerations

Dependent status: Provide documents showing your parent or spouse maintains valid status
Address changes: Update your address with USCIS using Form AR-11
Timing: Approval may create a gap before your program start date—follow all F-1 rules during this time
Travel plans: Leaving the U.S. will cancel your pending application

What to Expect

You leave the U.S., apply for an F-1 visa abroad, and return in F-1 status.

Key considerations:

This option is often faster than applying within the U.S.
You must attend a visa interview
Visa processing delays are possible
Travel costs apply

How to Apply

Step 1: Request your Initial I-20
Submit the 'Change of Immigration Status to F-1' request in accessVIS. If you are eligible, you will be notified when your Form I-20 is available to download in accessVIS.

Step 2: Schedule a visa appointment
Apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, usually in your home country. Review our Applying for a Visa page for information on the application process.

Step 3: Pay the SEVIS Fee
Complete Form I-901 and keep your receipt for your interview.

Step 4: Reenter the U.S.
After visa approval, return to the U.S. using your passport, visa, and I-20.

Step 5: Complete Check-In
Submit the F-1 International Student Check-In in accessVIS to activate your SEVIS record.

Important Notes

At entry, your I-94 record should show F-1 status and “D/S” (Duration of Status)
Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 visa but must still exit and reenter to obtain F-1 status
Visa approval is not guaranteed
Some applications may require additional administrative processing, which can cause delays

If you are unsure which option is best for your situation, contact Visa and Immigration Services to discuss your next steps.