Office of International Student & Scholar Services

Change of Status

Your eligibility to change to another nonimmigrant status may be limited.  Please click the links below to see what is needed for each change.

Change of Status from F-2 to F-1

The following needs to be presented to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  1. Personal Letter titled “Dear Sir/Madam”
    • Introduction: indicate your name, country of residence, and that you are requesting a change of your nonimmigrant visa classification to an F-1 student in order to attend school.
    • Explanation why you are requesting a change from F-2 to F-1.
  2. Financial documentation demonstrating your financial ability to pay for tuition, living expenses, and other expenses while you complete a full course of study. Below are estimated fee totals as of fall 2012 semester.
    • American Language Institute (ALI): $22,103 (off-campus living)
    • Undergraduate Programs: $28,392 (off-campus living); $33,192 (on-campus living)
    • Graduate Programs: $33,436 (9 credit hours); $32,330 (MBA)
  3. Copies of the following:
    • Passport ID page (valid 6 months beyond application date)
    • Visa page(s)
    • Form I-94 (Copy of original, or for an electronic copy go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 page.)
    • Provide copies of F-1 documents as listed above.
  4. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.  Go to the USCIS I-539 page
  5. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.  Complete Form G-1145 if you wish to receive electronic notification that your application has been accepted.  Go to the USCIS G-1145 page
  6. USCIS Filing Fee: $370 check or money order payable to USCIS
  7. SEVIS Fee.  Pay $200 SEVIS fee with credit card. Include receipt with application.  Pay at the U.S. I-901 page.
  8. Signed DS-2019. DS-2019 will be issued upon submission of the above documents.
  9. Mail the above documents to the USCIS service center found in the I-539 Instructions form, or schedule an appointment with OISSS to review the documents. OISSS will mail the documents on your behalf.

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Change of Status to F-2

The following needs to be presented to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
  1. Personal Letter titled “Dear Sir/Madam”
    • Introduction: indicate your name, country of residence, and that you are requesting a change of your nonimmigrant visa classification to an F-2 dependent to remain with your spouse to the completion of their degree.
  2. Financial documentation demonstrating your financial ability to pay for basic living expenses while your spouse is pursuing a full course of study or participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT).
  3. Copies of the following:
    • Passport ID page (valid 6 months beyond application date)
    • Visa page(s)
    • Form I-94 (Copy of original, or for an electronic copy go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 page.)
    • I-20
    • Employment Authorization Card (EAD), if applicable.
  4. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.  Go to the USCIS I-539 page
  5. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.  Complete Form G-1145 if you wish to receive electronic notification that your application has been accepted.  Go to the USCIS G-1145 page
  6. USCIS Filing Fee.  $370 check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  7. Signed I-20. An F-2 I-20 will be issued upon submission of the above documents.
  8. Mail the above documents to the USCIS service center found in the I-539 Instructions form, or schedule an appointment with OISSS to review the documents. OISSS will mail the documents on your behalf.

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Change of Status to J-2

The following needs to be presented to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  1. Personal Letter titled “Dear Sir/Madam”
    • Introduction: indicate your name, country of residence, and that you are requesting a change of your nonimmigrant visa classification to a J-2 Dependent in order to remain with your spouse to the completion of their research, studies, or teaching.
  2. Financial documentation demonstrating your financial ability to pay for basic living expenses while your spouse is studying, conducting research, teaching, or participating in Academic Training.
  3. Copies of the following:
    • Passport ID page (valid 6 months beyond application date)
    • Visa page(s)
    • Form I-94 (Copy of original, or for an electronic copy go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 page.)
    • J-1 copies of the above documents, plus DS-2019 and employment letter (if applicable)
  4. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.  Go to the USCIS I-539 page
  5. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.  Complete Form G-1145 if you wish to receive electronic notification that your application has been accepted.  Go to the USCIS G-1145 page
  6. USCIS Filing Fee: $370 check or money order payable to USCIS
  7. Signed DS-2019. DS-2019 will be issued upon submission of the above documents.
  8. Mail the above documents to the USCIS service center found in the I-539 Instructions form, or schedule an appointment with OISSS to review the documents. OISSS will mail the documents on your behalf.

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Change of Status from F-1 to J-1

The following needs to be presented to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  1. Personal Letter titled “Dear Sir/Madam”
    • Introduction: indicate your name, country of residence, and that you are requesting a change of your nonimmigrant visa classification to a J-1 Exchange Visitor in order to conduct research or study.
  2.  Financial documentation demonstrating your financial ability to pay for basic living expenses. The department, home institution, or home government must provide the primary means of support.
  3. Copies of the following:
    • Passport ID page (valid 6 months beyond application date)
    • Visa page(s)
    • Form I-94 (Copy of original, or for an electronic copy go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 page.)
    • I-20
  4. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.  Go to the USCIS I-539 page
  5. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.  Complete Form G-1145 if you wish to receive electronic notification that your application has been accepted.  Go to the USCIS G-1145 page
  6. USCIS Filing Fee.  $370 check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  7. SEVIS Fee.  Pay $200 SEVIS fee with credit card. Include receipt with application.  Pay at the U.S. I-901 page.
  8. Signed I-20.  I-20 will be issued upon submission of the above documents.
  9. Mail the above documents to the USCIS service center found in the I-539 Instructions form, or schedule an appointment.

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Change of Status E-1/E-2 to F-1

The following needs to be presented to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  1. Personal Letter titled “Dear Sir/Madam”
    • Introduction: indicate your name, country of residence, and that you are requesting a change of your nonimmigrant visa classification to an F-1 student in order to attend school.
    • Explanation why you are requesting a change from E to F-1.
  2. Financial documentation demonstrating your financial ability to pay for tuition, living expenses, and other expenses while you complete a full course of study. Below are estimated fee totals as of fall 2016 semester.
    • American Language Institute (ALI): $19,662 (off-campus living)
    • Undergraduate Programs: $26,380 (off-campus living); $31,180 (on-campus living)
    • Graduate Programs: $27,448 (9 credit hours); $26,782 (MBA)
  3. Copies of the following:
    • Passport ID page (valid 6 months beyond application date)
    • Visa page(s)
    • Form I-94 (Copy of original, or for an electronic copy go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 page.)
    • If E-2, provide copies of E-1 documents as listed above plus proof of employment/investment while in the U.S.
  4. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.  Go to the USCIS I-539 page
  5. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.  Complete Form G-1145 if you wish to receive electronic notification that your application has been accepted.  Go to the USCIS G-1145 page
  6. USCIS Filing Fee. $370 check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  7. SEVIS Fee.  Pay $200 SEVIS fee with credit card. Include receipt with application.  Pay at the U.S. I-901 page.
  8. Signed I-20.  I-20 will be issued upon submission of the above documents.
  9. Mail the above documents to the USCIS service center found in the I-539 Instructions form, or schedule an appointment with OISSS to review the documents. OISSS will mail the documents on your behalf.

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Change of Status from J-1 to F-1

The following needs to be presented to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  1. Personal Letter titled “Dear Sir/Madam”
    • Introduction: indicate your name, country of residence, and that you are requesting a change of your nonimmigrant visa classification to an F-1 student in order to attend school.
    • Explanation why you are requesting a change from J-1 to F-1.
  2. Financial documentation demonstrating your financial ability to pay for tuition, living expenses, and other expenses while you complete a full course of study. Below are estimated fee totals as of fall 2016 semester.
    • American Language Institute (ALI): $19,662 (off-campus living)
    • Undergraduate Programs: $26,380 (off-campus living); $31,180 (on-campus living)
    • Graduate Programs: $27,448 (9 credit hours); $26,782 (MBA)
  3. Copies of the following:
    • Passport ID page (valid 6 months beyond application date)
    • Visa page(s)
    • Form I-94 (Copy of original, or for an electronic copy go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 page.)
  4. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.  Go to the USCIS I-539 page
  5. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.  Complete Form G-1145 if you wish to receive electronic notification that your application has been accepted.  Go to the USCIS G-1145 page
  6. USCIS Filing Fee. $370 check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  7. SEVIS Fee.  Pay $200 SEVIS fee with credit card. Include receipt with application.  Pay at the U.S. I-901 page.
  8. Signed I-20.  I-20 will be issued upon submission of the above documents.
  9. Mail the above documents to the USCIS service center found in the I-539 Instructions form, or schedule an appointment with OISSS to review the documents. OISSS will mail the documents on your behalf.

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

The following needs to be presented to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  1. Personal Letter titled “Dear Sir/Madam”
    • Introduction: indicate your name, country of residence, and that you are requesting a change of your nonimmigrant visa classification to an F-1 student in order to attend school.
    • Explanation why you are requesting a change from B-1/B-2 to F-1.
  2. Financial documentation demonstrating your financial ability to pay for tuition, living expenses, and other expenses while you complete a full course of study. Below are estimated fee totals as of fall 2016 semester.
    • American Language Institute (ALI): $19,662 (off-campus living)
    • Undergraduate Programs: $26,380 (off-campus living); $31,180 (on-campus living)
    • Graduate Programs: $27,448 (9 credit hours); $26,782 (MBA)
  3. Copies of the following:
    • Passport ID page (valid 6 months beyond application date)
    • Visa page(s)
    • Form I-94 (Copy of original, or for an electronic copy go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 page.)
  4. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.  Go to the USCIS I-539 page
  5. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.  Complete Form G-1145 if you wish to receive electronic notification that your application has been accepted.  Go to the USCIS G-1145 page
  6. USCIS Filing Fee. $370 check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  7. SEVIS Fee.  Pay $200 SEVIS fee with credit card. Include receipt with application.  Pay at the U.S. I-901 page.
  8. Signed I-20.  I-20 will be issued upon submission of the above documents.
  9. Mail the above documents to the USCIS service center found in the I-539 Instructions form, or schedule an appointment with OISSS to review the documents. OISSS will mail the documents on your behalf.

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Change of Status from H-1B/H-4 to F-1

The following needs to be presented to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  1. Personal Letter titled “Dear Sir/Madam”
    • Introduction: indicate your name, country of residence, and that you are requesting a change of your nonimmigrant visa classification to an F-1 student in order to attend school.
    • Explanation why you are requesting a change from H-1B/H-4 to F-1.
  2. Financial documentation demonstrating your financial ability to pay for tuition, living expenses, and other expenses while you complete a full course of study. Below are estimated fee totals as of fall 2016 semester.
    • American Language Institute (ALI): $19,662 (off-campus living)
    • Undergraduate Programs: $26,380 (off-campus living); $31,180 (on-campus living)
    • Graduate Programs: $27,448 (9 credit hours); $26,782 (MBA)
  3. Copies of the following:
    • Passport ID page (valid 6 months beyond application date)
    • Visa page(s)
    • Form I-94 (Copy of original, or for an electronic copy go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 page.)
    • Provide copies of H-1B documents as listed above if you are an H-4 dependent.
  4. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.  Go to the USCIS I-539 page
  5. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.  Complete Form G-1145 if you wish to receive electronic notification that your application has been accepted.  Go to the USCIS G-1145 page
  6. USCIS Filing Fee. $370 check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  7. SEVIS Fee.  Pay $200 SEVIS fee with credit card. Include receipt with application.  Pay at the U.S. I-901 page.
  8. Signed I-20.  I-20 will be issued upon submission of the above documents.
  9. Mail the above documents to the USCIS service center found in the I-539 Instructions form, or schedule an appointment with OISSS to review the documents. OISSS will mail the documents on your behalf.

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Change of Status to B-1/B-2

The following needs to be presented to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  1. Personal Letter titled “Dear Sir/Madam”
    • Introduction: indicate your name, country of residence, and that you are requesting a change of your nonimmigrant visa classification to B-1/B-2 visitor in order to travel the U.S.
    • Explanation that your stay in the U.S. will be temporary.
  2. Financial documentation demonstrating your financial ability to pay for your basic living expenses while you travel the U.S.
    • This is approximately $1,000/month.
    • Example, personal bank statement.
  3. Copies of the following:
    • Passport ID page (valid 6 months beyond application date)
    • Visa page(s)
    • Form I-94 (Copy of original, or for an electronic copy go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 page.)
    • Optional Practical Training (OPT) Card, if applicable. 
  4. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.  Go to the USCIS I-539 page
  5. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.  Complete Form G-1145 if you wish to receive electronic notification that your application has been accepted.  Go to the USCIS G-1145 page
  6. USCIS Filing Fee.  $370 check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  7. Mail the above documents to the USCIS service center found in the I-539 Instructions form, or schedule an appointment.

Last Updated: 3/22/23