Changing to F-1 Visa Status in the U.S.
In certain circumstances, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows individuals already in the U.S. to apply for a change from their current visa status to F-1 visa status without leaving the country. This allows the individuals to remain in the U.S. in legal status instead of leaving the country to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consular post. Below is some information to help you with the process.
Applying for a Change to F-1 Status
The change of status application you submit to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requests a change from your current visa status to F-1 status. The application must be submitted to the appropriate USCIS office before the current authorized stay/status has expired. Some visa statuses may have restrictions on how and when a change of status can be filed. Processing time varies. If you choose to leave the United States after your change of status has been approved, you must plan to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consular post before you can return to the United States in F-1 status.
The Application Process
To begin preparing your application for F-1 status, visit the Study In The States webpage on changing status. You should plan to prepare and submit all required documents with your application. After submitting your change of status request, you will receive a receipt notice from the USCIS service center confirming that your application has been received. Processing times may vary. Once the receipt notice has arrived, you may remain in the United States while USCIS reviews your application. USCIS may contact you during this time if additional information or documentation is needed to make a decision on your request.
Student Responsibilities During Change of Status Process
Whether or not you may study while your change of status application is pending depends on your current nonimmigrant status. Some statuses allow enrollment in a course of study, while others, such as B 1/B 2 visitors, do not permit study.
During the change of status process:
- While your application is pending, you must comply with all the rules of your current status.
- Submit a Deferral Request to the International Admissions office by the first day of the quarter if the change of status has not been approved by the time the quarter begins. You must continue to submit deferral requests for each subsequent quarter until the change has been approved. If you do not, your SEVIS record may auto-cancel.
Decision on Change of Status
If your change of status application is approved, your nonimmigrant status will change to F 1. USCIS does not issue an F 1 visa as part of the approval; it only allows you to remain in the United States in F 1 status.
If you leave the United States after your change of status is approved, you must apply for an F 1 visa at a U.S. consular post before you can re-enter the United States as an F 1 student.
For More Information
Seattle Colleges recommends that international students consult with an immigration attorney for assistance with any part of the Change of Status process. You may also want to review the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Study In The States webpages. International Programs is unable to provide students who have not been admitted to Seattle Colleges with any information not noted on our website.