Change of status from H-1 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 a H-1 to a 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 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Your full application must be received by the USCIS before your final day of work. Remember that you CANNOT work on campus until your F-1 is approved, but you can enroll in classes before you receive this approval.
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. For Part 4, question 3G, you must attach financial support documentation. (If you are not sure about any questions, leave them blank and ask the ISSS staff about them at your appointment.
- Letter to Immigration requesting a Change of Status, stating the reasons for a change and how and why your intentions changed once in the U.S. and any other relevant information.
- Letter to Immigration explaining what you will do with this degree upon return to your home country.
- Letter to Immigration explaining the ties that you have to your home country. You have to convince Immigration that you plan to return to your home country.
- Completed and signed New Form I-20AB (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 ascholarship/assistantship letter.
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Photocopies of:
- Passport biographical data page, one with your photo, page showing passport expiration date.
- H-1 visa stamp (in passport) or a photocopy of form I-797 "Notice of Action".
- Form I-94 Arrival-Departure (white card) both sides
- Both sides of your spouse's and/or children's I-94, if they are included in your application.
- Personal Check/Money Order for $300.00 made payable to the Department of Homeland Security.
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 6 months. Remember that you cannot accept any jobs on campus until USCIS has approved your application.