Change of status from F-2 to F-1 student
Immigration & Visas
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F-type visa information
- 17-Month STEM OPT Extension Request Form
- Termination of Employment Report
- OPT & 17 Month STEM Extension 6 Month Validation Report
- H-1B Visa Cap-Gap extension application
- 17-month OPT Extension as of 5/1/08
- OPT Changes - 4/23/2008
- F-1 reinstatement
- Change of status from H-1 to F-1 student
- Change of status from F-2 to F-1 student
- F-1/I-20 extension of stay
- Inviting an F-2 dependent
- F-1 students: Transferring schools
- Optional Practical Training for F-1 students
- Optional Practical Training for F-1 Undergraduate Students
- Optional Practical Training for F-1 Graduate Students
- J-type visa information
- Immigration updates
- Immigration resources / links
- Checking in with ISSS
- What is SEVIS?
- Maintaining your legal status
- How to get a Social Security Number
The USCIS reviews applications for change of status based on the applicant's ability to document and justify a change of intent upon arrival to the U.S. Applications for change of status shortly after arrival arouse suspicion that the individual purposely misrepresented his/her intentions to obtain a U.S. visa and enter the country.
To change from an F-2 to an F-1 student status, complete the application packet in the ISSS Office. After you have completed the packet you should make an appointment to meet with an ISSS staff member so they can review your application and mail it into the USCIS.
To see if you are able to apply for a change of status, you should make an appointment with an ISSS advisor. At the time of the appointment, please bring the following with you:
- Passport
- Visa documents form I-20 as applicable
- Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record (white card)
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To complete the application for Change of Status, you must include the following:
- Complete Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) parts 1 through 5 of the form. Part 4, Question 3F - financial support must be attached. (If you are not sure about any questions, leave them blank and ask the ISSS staff at your appointment.)
- Letter to USCIS requesting a Change of Status, stating the reasons for a change and how and why your intentions have changed once in the U.S., along with any other relevant information.
- Completed and signed New Form I-20AB (remember to sign at the bottom of page 1). Be sure to read page 2 of the Form I-20.
- Attached financial support documentation, such as bank statements or a scholarship/assistantship letter.
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Photocopies of:
- Passport biographical data page, one with your photo, page showing passport expiration date.
- Previously issued visa documents (Form I-20, Form DS-2019, etc.).
- U.S. Entry visa stamp (in passport)
- Form I-94 Arrival-Departure (white card) both sides
- Spouse's I-94 (both sides) and Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Personal Check/Money Order for $300.00, made payable to the Department of Homeland Security.
- Receipt of $100.00 Federal SEVIS fee payment (effective September 1, 2004). The payment is made on-line via credit card or by mail, once you have been issued your SEVIS I-20 by our office. We will provide you with information about paying the fee when you meet with an ISSS staff member.
The ISSS office will review the application and keep a copy of everything in your folder and mail it to the USCIS Service Center in St. Albans, Vermont. Currently, the processing time can take up to six months. Remember that you cannotaccept any jobs on campus until USCIS has approved your application, and that you cannot register for classes until the change to F-1 has been approved.