Change to F-1 Status

To be eligible to apply for a change to F-1 status you must: 

• Be unconditionally admitted to a Franklin University program offered to F-1 students 
• Submit sufficient financial sponsorship documents 
• Demonstrate nonimmigrant student intent 
• Maintain your current, eligible nonimmigrant status

Some nonimmigrants are not eligible to change status in the U.S., including those subject to the 212(e) 2-year foreign residence requirement, those admitted under the Visa Waiver Program, and M-1 students.

Applicants in some statuses, including B-1 and B-2, are not eligible to enroll in classes until F-1 status is granted; early application is recommended.

In some cases, you may be required to apply for and receive approval for extension of your current immigration status while awaiting the change to F-1 status.

An application to change to F-1 status can be a tedious process, but we are here to help you initiate the process.  Please note that a change of status application can have complex impact on the applicant's immigration status and eligibility for future immigration benefits. Applicants needing immigration advice and help weighing risks or planning an immigration strategy should consult an experienced immigration attorney.

1. First, submit financial documents to OISP for verification of sufficient funding and begin gathering all application materials. If you have dependent family members currently in the U.S. who wish to change to F-2 dependent status, include their information and documents in your application. You will need to provide proof of sufficient funding for their stay, as well.
2. Once your financial documents have been verified, we will ask you to submit a request for a “Change of Status” I-20, indicating the term that you intend to begin in F-1 status. Using information from the I-20, you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online and keep copies of the receipt.If you have any difficulties gathering application materials or completing forms, contact OISP can give you advice or point you to helpful resources. We recommend scheduling an appointment to review the application with your international student advisor.
3. Once you are ready to submit the application to USCIS, send your application file by certified mail or courier. You will receive a receipt number from USCIS, which you can use to track the status of your application online. If you move before the change of status approval is received or adjudicated, you must notify OISP and change your address online at https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange, or call 1-800-375-5283. Failure to update your address with USCIS can have serious effects on your status in the U.S.

Keep in mind: changing your status in the United States does not give you a new visa. Visas are only used for entering the United States and can only be obtained outside of the United States at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you plan to travel internationally within the next year, it may be best to apply for your F-1 visa while abroad and enter in F-1 status at that point.

Please review all information at the USCIS site.  A complete application to USCIS must include:

• Form I-539 
• Form I-539 Filing Fee and Biometrics Fee 
• Copy of Form I-20 indicating Change of Status Requested 
• Proof of payment of SEVIS I-901 Fee 
• Copy of Form I-94 
• Copies of current status documents, visa, and passport ID pages 
• Copies of financial responsibility documents 

We recommend that you include Form G-1145 and a letter explaining the reason for your request to change to F-1 status. 

Additional Requirements: 

• Applicants changing from F-2 to F-1 status:
  • Copy of the F-2 dependent’s current Form I-20 
  • Copy of the current F-1 student’s Form I-20  
  • If the F-1 student is currently on post-completion Optional Practical Training, also include a copy of his/her employment authorization document (EAD) card. 
• Applicants changing from F-1 to F-2 status: 
  • Copy of the F-1 student’s Form I-20 
  • If the F-1 student is currently on post-completion Optional Practical Training, also include a copy of his/her employment authorization document (EAD) card. 
  • Copy of marriage license proving relationship to F-1 student
• Applicants changing from H-1B or H-4 to F-1 status: 
  • Copies of all previously issued I-797 forms showing H status 
  • Letter from H-1B employer confirming current employment and most recent pay stubs 
• Applicants with dependent(s), include : 
  • Dependent’s Form I-20 
  • Copy of dependent’s passport, visa and I-94 card 
  • Please Note: Effective March 22, 2019 USCIS requires applicants filing Form I-539 and co-applicants filing Form I-539A to use the 02/04/19 versions of those forms, which also require each applicant and co-applicant to pay an additional $85 biometrics fee, and attend an appointment that will be scheduled at a USCIS Applicant Support Center (ACS) where biometrics will be collected. 

Verify updated form, fee, and filing address at the USCIS website.