Change of Status

Students in certain visa statuses may be eligible to file for a change of visa status to F-1 within the U.S.. by filing a Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Be sure to review USCIS Change of Status guidance for more information.

While USCIS guidance linked above indicates the change of status application must be submitted by the expiration of the individual's (or principal's) I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or the expiration of the individual's (or principal's) current status within the U.S. (whichever is earlier), in practice USCIS will adjudicate (process) applications received within 60 days (the 60-day "grace" period) of the expiration of the I-94 or the individual's status (whichever is earlier). PLEASE NOTE whether or not an application will be accepted after the expiration of the individual's current status is at the discretion of USCIS. Individuals interested in changing their status from the B-2 visitor visa will need to review our guidance below very carefully because USCIS has different policies related to these applications.    

Some of the benefits related to applying for a change of visa status within the U.S.. include:

• You don't incur the cost of traveling outside the U.S.. or being separated from friends
• This process is generally less expensive ($290 application fee, payment of the $200 SEVIS fee, cost of mailing the application to USCIS)

Some of the disadvantages related to applying for the change of visa status within the U.S.. include:

• The processing timeframe for the change of status application with USCIS may be up to 9 months or longer
• There is very limited options to request USCIS expedite of your application
• If your application is denied and your previous visa status has expired then you will not have a valid status within the U.S.. and will need to leave immediately
• While the change of status is valid once approved within the U.S.., the next time you travel outside the U.S.. you will be required to apply for visa with the U.S.. embassy or consulate before you may re-enter the U.S.

Change of Visa Status from F-2 to F-1

Change of Visa Status from H-4 to F-1

Change of Visa Status from H1-B to F-1

Change of Visa Status from B-2 to F-1

Change of Visa Status from Other Visa to F-1

Change of Status to F-2

To change your status by traveling outside the U.S. you will need to contact the ISSS to provide all required documents for the I-20.  Once your request has been processed you will need to depart the U.S. preferably to your home country (strongly recommended to travel to your home country), apply for the visa status you would like to re-enter the U.S., and once your visa is issued you will return to the U.S. For students changing their status to F-1 they may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to your I-20 program start date.  Please note that students changing to the F-1 visa status will be required to attend International Student Orientation and a Check-in and Welcome Session.

The advantages to traveling to change your visa status include:

• Avoiding the USCIS change of status processing time of up to 9 months or longer
• Upon re-entry you will be entitled to the benefits related to your visa status immediately
• Traveling can lead to a quicker timeframe to become the desired visa status

Some disadvantages to consider related to traveling to change your visa status include:

• The cost related to traveling outside the U.S.
• We recommend students travel to their home country to apply for the new visa (we do not recommend traveling to Canada or Mexico)
• Possible delays in issuing the visa and the risk of denial
• The "eligibility clock"requiring enrollment for one academic year (fall and spring) before an F-1 student is eligible for practical training (OPT and CPT) is reset if a student travels outside the U.S. and re-enters to change their visa status

The ISSS can only provide guidance for change of status applications for students changing to the F-1 visa to study at A&M-Commerce or  individuals changing to the F-2 visa status whose F-1 principal is currently studying at A&M-Commerce or is on OPT after completing their studies at A&M-Commerce.  

Students desiring to change their visa status to other visa categories or who desire to file for a permanent resident will need to consult USCIS's Change of Status Guidance or consult an immigration attorney.