International Student Guide: Change Your Visa Status

Change Your Visa Status Within the U.S. to F-1

Students in certain visa statuses may be eligible to file for a change of visa status to F-1 within the U.S. by filing a Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Be sure to review USCIS Change of Status guidance for more information.

While USCIS guidance linked above indicates the change of status application must be submitted by the expiration of the individual’s (or principal’s) I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or the expiration of the individual’s (or principal’s) current status within the U.S. (whichever is earlier), in practice USCIS will adjudicate (process) applications received within 60 days (the 60-day “grace” period) of the expiration of the I-94 or the individual’s status (whichever is earlier).

  • PLEASE NOTE that USCIS has the discretion to accept or reject an application after the individual’s current status expires.

Individuals interested in changing their status from the B-2 visitor visa will need to review our guidance below very carefully because USCIS has different policies related to these applications.

Some of the benefits related to applying for a change of visa status within the U.S. include:

  • You don’t incur the cost of traveling outside the U.S. or being separated from friends
  • This process is generally less expensive ($290 application fee, payment of the $200 SEVIS fee, cost of mailing the application to USCIS)

Some of the disadvantages related to applying for the change of visa status within the U.S. include:

  • The processing timeframe for the change of status application with USCIS may be up to 9 months or longer.
  • There are very limited options to request USCIS expedite your application
  • If your application is denied and your previous visa status has expired, then you will not have a valid status within the U.S. and will need to leave immediately.
  • While the change of status is valid once approved within the U.S., the next time you travel outside the U.S., you will be required to apply for a visa with the U.S. embassy or consulate before you may re-enter the U.S.

Change Your Visa Status to F-2

Individuals who wish to change their status (COS) to F-2 must file the change of status while their current visa status is still valid. This will be determined by the expiration of the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or other relevant document(s). Individuals in the U.S. under a B-1/B-2 visa are strongly encouraged to depart the U.S. and re-enter with an F-2 visa and I-20.

The F-1 principal’s visa status must be valid during the duration of the review application review process with USCIS. If the F-1 principal’s status expires while the change of status application is pending, USCIS will deny it.

  • While USCIS general processing times are 2-3 months, most change-of-status applications will take much longer. Many change-of-status applications have taken up to nine (9) months for USCIS to process, and some schools have reported a processing time of over twelve (12) months. Students should plan for a minimum USCIS processing time of between four (4) and nine (9) months.
  • Applicants may contact USCIS after 90 days from their application receipt notice date to inquire about their application. There are very limited options to request an expedited application. To learn more about USCIS’s expedited policy, go to USCIS Expedite. The ISSS cannot intervene with USCIS to request an expedited application.
  • Once the application is filed, you cannot travel outside the U.S., or your change of visa status will be considered abandoned.
  • Once your change of visa status is approved, the next time you travel outside the U.S., you will need to apply for an F-2 visa before you are permitted to re-enter the U.S.

Eligibility to Study: The Student Exchange Visitor Program allows an F-2 to study at a college or university on a part-time basis, but whether a change of status to an F-2 applicant may study will depend upon the relevant regulations for the applicant’s current visa status. If the applicant’s current visa status allows them to study, then the individual may study while they await approval for their change of status. If the applicant’s current visa status does not allow them to study, then the individual cannot study until their change of status is approved by USCIS.

To apply for a status change, you must follow the steps below. All documents must be
emailed to [email protected] with the subject line “Change of status to F-2.” DO NOT copy
any alternate email or drop your documents off in person at the Office of International Programs. It is your responsibility to provide all documents listed below. Incomplete applications will not be processed:

  • Copy of all applicable documents listed below for individual applying for change of status:
    1. Visa
    2. Passport data and picture page only
    3. I-94 Arrival/Departure record
    4. All I-20s if previously in the U.S. as an F-1 student (if applicable)
    5. Employment Authorization Document (if applicable)
    6. USCIS Approval Notice (if applicable)

  • Copy of all of the applicable documents listed below for F-1 principal:
  • Most recently issued I-20. The most recent I-20 issued is the I-20 you possess, which has the most recent DATE ISSUED on page 1 under the SCHOOL ATTESTATION section.
  • If any additional dependents will be included in the application for the change of status to F-2, please provide the following documents:
    1. Visa
    2. Passport data and picture page only
    3. I-94 Arrival/Departure record
    4. All I-20s if previously in the U.S. as an F-1 or F-2
    5. Employment Authorization Document (if applicable)
    6. USCIS Approval Notice (if applicable)
  • Provide proof of funding for an additional $3,000 per dependent. For example, for a grad student adding one dependent, proof of funding is $26,000 + $3,000 = $29,000. Applications not including all the documentation listed below will not be processed.
    1. The proof of funding may be a bank statement (checking or savings account) or certificate of deposit, and statements for three (3) consecutive months are required.
    2. The financial statements must be within 6 months of the date the change of status application is submitted to the Office of International Programs. A letter from a bank or employment letter is not sufficient.
    3. Applicants must include the Office of International Programs affidavit (sponsors outside the U.S.) or the I-134 (sponsors in the U.S.) at Funding Requirement for I-20 or DS2019.
  • Copy of marriage license or official documentation verifying relationship. Must be translated into English through with translator’s certification.
  • A letter stating reason for the change of status

Once all documentation has been received, the Office of International Programs will review it and issue the F-2 I-20 within 10 business days. A business day is Monday through Friday. All applications must be submitted to USCIS for adjudication and approval. Instructions for submitting your application to USCIS will be provided with your F-2 I-20.

Change Your Visa Status by Travel

  • To change your status by traveling outside the U.S., you must contact the Office of International Programs and provide all required documents for the I-20.
    • Once your request has been processed, you will need to depart the U.S., preferably to your home country (it is strongly recommended that you travel to your home country), apply for the visa status you would like to re-enter the U.S., and once your visa is issued, return to the U.S.
    • Students changing their status to F-1 may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before their I-20 program start date.
    • Please note that students changing to the F-1 visa status will be required to attend International Student Orientation and a Check-in and Welcome Session.
  • The advantages to traveling to change your visa status include:
    • Avoiding the USCIS change of status processing time of up to 9 months or longer
    • Upon re-entry, you will be entitled to the benefits related to your visa status immediately
    • Traveling can lead to a quicker timeframe to obtain the desired visa status
  • Some disadvantages to consider related to traveling to change your visa status include:
    • The cost related to traveling outside the U.S.
    • We recommend students travel to their home country to apply for the new visa (we do not recommend traveling to Canada or Mexico)
    • Possible delays in issuing the visa and the risk of denial
    • The “eligibility clock” requiring enrollment for one academic year (fall and spring) before an F-1 student is eligible for practical training (OPT and CPT) is reset if a student travels outside the U.S. and re-enters to change their visa status

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  • The Office of International Programs can only provide guidance for change of status applications for students changing to the F-1 visa to study at East Texas A&M or individuals changing to the F-2 visa status whose F-1 principal is currently studying at East Texas A&M or is on OPT after completing their studies at East Texas A&M.
  • Students desiring to change their visa status to other visa categories or who desire to file for permanent residency will need to consult USCIS’s Change of Status Guidance or an immigration attorney.

F2 to F1

Individuals in the F-2 visa may apply for a change of status to F-1 as long as the F-1 principal is
in a valid F-1 status. Effective May, 29, 2015, F-2 dependents may enroll in a part-time program
even if the course of study done on a part-time basis leads toward or counts toward a degree or
completion of a program. Study as an F-2 may only be part-time and below is the definition for
part-time study. F-2 dependents may not begin study on a full-time basis until their change of
visa status has been approved:

  • Eleven (11) semester credit hours each fall and spring semester and three (3)
  • semester credit hours each summer session for undergraduate students
  • Six (6) semester credit hours each fall and spring semester and three (3) semester
  • credit hours each summer session for graduate students

F-2 dependents will be required to complete check-in with the ISSS and attend the International
Student Orientation. F-2 dependents will also be required to be enrolled in the System Student
Health Insurance Plan unless they meet an allowed exception per the A&M System policy for all
non-U.S. citizens.

Please keep in mind the following:

  • The change of status application has to be received by USCIS while the F-2 is still in a
  • valid status. Remember that the F-2 is in a valid status as long as the F-1 principal
  • remains in a valid status. As long as the change of status application is received by
  • USCIS while the F-2 is in status then USCIS will generally adjudicate the application
  • even if the F-2 status expires. Please note this is at the discretion of USCIS.
  • While USCIS general processing times are 2-3 months, most change of statuses will take
  • much longer. Many change of status applications have taken up to nine (9) months for
  • USCIS to process and some schools have reported a processing time of over twelve (12)
  • months. Students should plan for a minimum USCIS processing time of between four
  • (4) and nine (9) months.
  • Applicants may contact USCIS after 90 days from their application receipt notice date to
  • inquire about their application. There are very limited options to request an expedite for
  • an application and to learn more about USCIS’s expedite policy go to USCIS Expedite.
  • The ISSS cannot intervene with USCIS to request an expedite.
  • Applicants filing for a change of status will not be eligible for any benefits related to the
  • F-1 visa status until their change of status is approved.
  • Applicants will not be eligible for on-campus employment until the start date of the next
  • available semester after the approval notice effective date for the change of status.
  • Once the application is filed you cannot travel outside the U.S. or your change of visa
  • status will be considered abandoned.
  • Once your change of visa status is approved, the next time you travel outside the U.S.
  • you will be required to apply for an F-1 visa before you will be permitted to re-enter the
  • U.S.
  • You will be required to attend the next available International Student Orientation
  • You will be required to enroll in the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP)
  • unless you meet one of the allowed waivers

Documents Required to Change Your Status from F-2 to F-1

Below is a checklist of all documents required for the change of status (COS). It is your
responsibility to provide all documents as listed below. Incomplete applications will not be
reviewed or processed. Before the ISSS can process a change of status to F-1 the individual
must first be admitted to a degree program or the English Language Institute. Please email the
following documents to [email protected]. DO NOT copy any alternate email or drop your
documents off in person at the ISSS.

  • Copy of ALL I-20’s, visa, and I-94 for F-2 applying for the COS AND F-1 principal.
    • If paper copy I-94 then we will need a copy of both sides.
    • If electronic I-94 record you may access this at www.cbp.gov/I94.
  • Copy of passport photo page and data page (that includes address in home country) for F2 applying for the COS and F-1 principal.
  • Copy of EAD card if F-1 principal is on OPT (if applicable)
  • Copy of any previous change of status approval notice (if applicable)
  • Proof of funding for one year of study which equals an estimated $20000 for ELI, $26000
  • for graduate student, and $28000 for undergraduate student plus $3000 per dependent:
    • Proof of funding may be a bank statement (checking or savings account) or
  • certificate of deposit and will to cover the previous 3 months.
    • A letter from a bank, employment letter (for F-1), or Admission Purposes Only
  • financial guarantee will not be accepted.
    • Applicants must need include the ISSS sponsor statement (for sponsors outside
  • the U.S.) or the Form I-134 (for sponsors within the U.S.) at Funding Requirements for I-20.
  • Letter stating reason for change of status.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or processed and it is your responsibility to

provide all documents listed above via email to [email protected].

The ISSS will review all documents and issue the F-1 I-20 for the COS if eligible within 10
business days. Once your COS has been processed you will be emailed the copy of the COS I-20
along with instructions to file online electronically or by mail. Students will only receive a copy
of the COS I-20.

Please note that once the application is processed the person applying for COS will need to pay
the $200 SEVIS I-901 fee at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.jsp. Be sure to keep a copy
of your payment receipt for your records and to submit with your online application (I-539). This
fee is non-refundable once payment is made.

H-4 to F-1

H-4 visa holders are allowed to study in an academic program with no restrictions as far as online or face to face course
enrollment. However, H-4 visa holders are not eligible for any type of employment whether on-campus or off-campus.
Below is the general guidance for H-4 visa holders who are considering changing their visa status to F-1:

  • The change of status application has to be received by USCIS while the H-4 is still in a valid status. Remember that
  • the H-4 is in a valid status as long as the H1-B remains in a valid status. As long as the change of status application is
  • received by USCIS while the H-4 is in status then USCIS will generally adjudicate the application even if the H-4
  • status expires. Please note this is at the discretion of USCIS.
  • While USCIS general processing times are 2-3 months, most change of statuses will take much longer. Many
  • change of status applications have taken up to nine (9) months for USCIS to process and some schools have
  • reported a processing time of over twelve (12) months. Students should plan for a minimum USCIS processing
  • time of between four (4) and nine (9) months.
  • Applicants may contact USCIS after 90 days from their application receipt notice date to inquire about their
  • application. There are very limited options to request an expedite for an application and to learn more about
  • USCIS’s expedite policy go to USCIS Expedite. The ISSS cannot intervene with USCIS to request an expedite.
  • Students filing for a change of status will not be eligible for any benefits related to the F-1 visa status (i.e.
  • employment) until their change of status is approved
  • Once the application is filed you cannot travel outside the U.S. or your change of visa status will be considered
  • abandoned
  • Once your change of visa status is approved, the next time you travel outside the U.S. you will be required to apply for
  • an F-1 visa before you will be permitted to re-enter the U.S.
  • You will be required to attend the next available International Student Orientation
  • You will be required to enroll in the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) unless you meet one of the
  • allowed waivers

Below are some additional questions that H-4 visa holders often have related to the change of status to F-1:

1) How does a change of status application affect the student’s tuition rate? H-4 visa holders may
be eligible for the in-state tuition rate during their studies as an H-4 once they have met the residency requirements as
an H-4.
 Filing for the change of status to F-1 will not immediately affect a student’s residency for the university.
Once the change of status is approved, the student’s residency with the university will change to F-1out of
state/country in the NEXT semester.
 F-1 international students automatically pay the out of state/country rate unless they have a full-time
graduate assistantship or a $1000 competitive scholarship.
For example, a student files an application in June and is enrolled in classes for the fall semester which began on
August 31. The student’s change of status is approved on September 28. This student’s residency rate will not
change from in state to out of state/country until the next semester (winter mini or spring).
2) What are the requirements for eligibility for practical training (CPT or OPT)? In order to be
eligible for practical training a student must be enrolled for an academic year (fall/spring or spring/fall).
 Students who apply for a change of status within the U.S. may count time spent under a different visa
category toward this requirement as long as their previous enrollment meets the full course of study
requirement as stated below.
 Students who are in their final semester and enrolled in less than a full course of study may still count this
enrollment toward this requirement.
3) If I travel outside the U.S. to change my visa status will this impact by practical training
eligibility? Yes. Students who chose to depart the U.S. and re-enter the U.S. as an F-1 student will not be
eligible until they are enrolled for one academic year of study (fall/spring or spring/fall). Once a student travels
outside the U.S. and re-enters to change their visa status then the “eligibility clock” is reset.
4) What if my application is delayed and I need to apply for CPT? Generally, there are very limited
options to request an expedite for an application and to learn more about USCIS’s expedite policy you may Google
search USCIS, help center, expedite.
 It is very important that students file their change of status application to avoid these types of delays.
 As mentioned, change of status applications have taken as long as nine (9) months for USCIS to process with
some Texas schools reporting a processing time of over twelve (12) months.
 Students should expect their application to take a minimum of between four (4) and nine (9) months.
5) I am in my final semester, I am enrolled in less than a full course of study, and my
application has not been approved yet. Can I “delay” my graduation so I can be eligible
for OPT? No. The ISSS will not grant a student permission to “delay” or “postpone” their graduation so they
may retain their OPT eligibility. Generally, there are very limited options to request an expedite for an application
and to learn more about USCIS’s expedite policy you may Google search USCIS, help center, expedite.
 It is very important that students file their change of status application to avoid these types of delays.
 As mentioned, change of status applications have taken as long as nine (9) months for USCIS to process with
some Texas schools reporting a processing time of over twelve (12) months.
 Students should expect their application to take a minimum of between four (4) and nine (9) months.
6) What is a full course of study? Once the application is filed with USCIS the student will need to enroll in a
full course of study as prescribed below.
 A full course of study is a minimum of 12 credit hours for undergraduates with 9 hours face to face and 9
credit hours for graduate students with 6 hours face to face. Only one online “W” course counts toward the
full course of study requirement.
 A full course of study is a minimum of 9 credit hours for undergraduates with 6 hours face to face and 3
credit hours for graduate students with 6 hours face to face. Only one online “W” course counts toward the
full course of study requirement.
For example…a graduate student was enrolled in 12 hours (6 hours face to face and 6 hours online “W”) as an H-4
in the fall semester. The student enrolled for 9 hours (6 hours face to face and 3 hours online “W”) for spring and
applied for a change of status to F-1. As long as the change of status is approved prior to the summer semester this
student would be eligible for practical training starting in the summer.
For example…graduate student was enrolled for 12 credit hours (3 hours face to face and 9 hours online “W”) as an
H-4 in the fall semester. The student enrolled for 9 hours (6 hours face to face and 3 hours online “W”) for spring
and applied for the change of status to F-1. This student would not be eligible for practical training until after the
fall semester because the student was not enrolled in a full course of study in the fall semester.

Documents Required to Change Your Status from H-4 to F-1

Below is a checklist of all documents required for the change of status (COS). It is your responsibility to provide
all documents as listed below. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or processed. Before the ISSS can
process a change of status to F-1 the individual must first be admitted to a degree program or the English
Language Institute. Please email the following documents to [email protected]. DO NOT copy any alternate
email or drop your documents off in person at the ISSS.

  • Copy of approval notice (if applicable), current passport (picture and data pages only), visa, and I-94 for H-4 applying for the change of status and H1-B principal. DO NOT provide copies of every page of the passport.
    • If paper copy I-94 provide a copy of the front and the back
    • If electronic record I-94 you may print a copy at I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
  • Proof of funding for one year of study which equals an estimated $20000 for ELI, $26000 for graduate
  • student, and $28000 for undergraduate student plus $3000 per dependent:
    • Proof of funding may be a bank statement (checking or savings account) or certificate of deposit and will to cover the previous 3 months.
    • A letter from a bank, employment letter (for F-1), or Admission Purposes Only financial guarantee will not be accepted.
    • Applicants must need include the ISSS sponsor statement (for sponsors outside the U.S.) or the
    • Form I-134 (for sponsors within the U.S.) at Funding Requirements for I-20.
  • Current letter of employment for H1-B principal confirming dates of employment.
  • Letter stating reason for change of status.

DO NOT submit the following documents or any additional documents not listed above:

  • i) W-2’s or tax returns
  • ii) Marriage license
  • iii) SSN card
  • iv) Driver’s license
  • v) I-539

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or processed and it is your responsibility to provide all documents
listed above via email to [email protected].

The ISSS will review all documents and issue the F-1 I-20 for the COS if eligible within 10 business days. Once
your COS has been processed you will be emailed the copy of the COS I-20 along with instructions to file online
electronically or by mail. Students will only receive a copy of the COS I-20.

Please note that once the application is processed the person applying for COS will need to pay the $200 SEVIS
I-901 fee at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.jsp. Be sure to keep a copy of your payment receipt for your
records and to submit with your online application (I-539). This fee is non-refundable once payment is made.

H1-B to F-1

H-1B visa holders are allowed to study in an academic program with no restrictions as far as online or face to face
course enrollment. Any study must be incidental to the h1-B primary objective which is employment. Below is
the general guidance for H1-B visa holders who are considering changing their visa status to F-1:

  • The change of status application has to be received by USCIS while the H1-B is still in a valid status.
  • While there may be a general 60-day “grace period” after the completion of the H1-B status the ISSS
  • cannot advise on the availability of any “grace period” after the H1-B status has expired. As long as the
  • change of status application is received by USCIS while the H-1B is in status then USCIS will generally
  • adjudicate the application even if the H-1B status expires. Please note this is at the discretion of USCIS.
  • While USCIS general processing times are 2-3 months, most change of statuses will take much longer.
  • Many change of status applications have taken up to nine (9) months for USCIS to process and some
  • schools have reported a processing time of over twelve (12) months. Students should plan for a
  • minimum USCIS processing time of between four (4) and nine (9) months.
  • Applicants may contact USCIS after 90 days from their application receipt notice date to inquire about their
  • application. There are very limited options to request an expedite for an application and to learn more
  • about USCIS’s expedite policy go to USCIS Expedite. The ISSS cannot intervene with USCIS to request
  • an expedite.
  • Students filing for a change of status will not be eligible for any benefits related to the F-1 visa status (i.e.
  • employment) until the start date for the next available semester that proceeds the approval notice date.
  • Once the application is filed you cannot travel outside the U.S. or your change of visa status will be
  • considered abandoned.
  • Once your change of visa status is approved, the next time you travel outside the U.S. you will be required
  • to apply for an F-1 visa before you will be permitted to re-enter the U.S.
  • You will be required to attend the next available International Student Orientation.
  • You will be required to enroll in the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) unless you meet one of
  • the allowed waivers

B-2 to F-1

Individuals in the B-2 visitor visa may apply for a change of status to F-1 but they will need to be aware
that the change of status application from B-2 to F-1 are often reviewed more closely by USCIS than other
COS applications and there may be greater chance of the application being denied.

Eligibility to Apply:

Generally, the B-2 visa status will need to be valid up until the start date for the COS I-20 or the application
may be denied. Please note the following:

  • USCIS will allow a gap of no more than 30 days between the end date for of the I-94 (B-2 status)
  • and the program start date for the I-20 (first day of semester).
  • Change of status applications have taken up to nine (9) months for USCIS to process and some
  • schools in Texas have reported a processing time of over twelve (12) months. Individuals should
  • plan for a minimum processing time of between four (4) and nine (9) months.
  • B-2 visas are generally issued for no more than 6 months with limited extensions allowed. The
  • change of status application from B-2 to F-1 carries a high risk of begin denied by USCIS due to
  • the extended processing timeframe. There are very limited requests to expedite.
  • Even if the application is delayed by USCIS, if the I-94 expires while the change of status
  • application is pending then USCIS will deny the application (exception if I-20 start date is within
  • 30 days of I-94 expiration). While this policy generally does not apply to other change of status
  • situations USCIS has consistently enforced this policy for change of status applicants from B-2 to
  • F-1.

Due to the significant risks associated with the change of status from B-2 to F-1 the ISSS strongly
recommends the individual consider traveling outside the U.S. to change their visa status. Please review
our change of status website for more information about traveling to change your visa status.

Eligibility to Begin Studies:

B-2’s MAY NOT begin their studies in their academic program while their application is pending with
USCIS.

  • If the COS is approved after the beginning of a semester then the student will be required to begin
  • their studies for their academic program or English Language Institute studies the following
  • semester.
  • Individuals here in the U.S. as a B-2 or who have a pending application to F-1 MAY NOT
  • complete the ELI program and receive the English proficiency waiver for admission to a degree
  • program at A&M-Commerce.
  • Study may only be for recreational purposes and not for completion of a degree or program or
  • count toward the completion of a degree or program.

Please note that once the change of status application has been filed:

  • Change of statuses have taken up to nine (9) months for USCIS to process and some schools in Texas have reported a processing time of over twelve (12) months. Students should plan for a minimum USCIS processing time of between four (4) and nine (9) months.
  • Students may contact USCIS after 90 days from their application receipt notice date to inquire
  • about their application. There are very limited options to request an expedite for an application
  • and to learn more about USCIS’s expedite policy you may Google search USCIS, help center,
  • expedite.
  • Students filing for a change of status will not be eligible for any benefits related to the F-1 visa
  • status (i.e. employment, study) until their change of status is approved
  • Once the application is filed you cannot travel outside the U.S. or your change of visa status will
  • be considered abandoned
  • Once your change of visa status is approved, the next time you travel outside the U.S. you will be
  • required to apply for an F-1 visa before you will be permitted to re-enter the U.S.
  • You will be required to attend the next available International Student Orientation
  • You will be required to enroll in the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) unless you
  • meet one of the allowed waiver

To apply for a change of status you will need to follow the steps below:

  • Be admitted into the English Language Institute or a degreed program at A&M-Commerce.
  • Email the ISSS once you have been admitted so we may begin to review your admission file.
  • Once admitted you will need to provide the following documents to the ISSS via email to
  • [email protected] or drop them off at the ISSO in Halladay 104. On the email subject write
  • Change of Status application
    • Copy of passport, visa, and I-94 for B-2 applying for the change of status. Electronic I-94
  • records may be accessed at www.cbp.gov/I94. If there will be any dependents (spouse or
  • children) included in the application we will also need copies of their documents.
    • Copy of passport, visa, and I-94 for any dependents (spouse, children) who will be included in
  • application for change of status. Electronic I-94 records may be accessed at
  • www.cbp.gov/I94. If there will be any dependents (spouse or children) included in the
  • application we will also need copies of their documents.
    • Proof of funding for one year of study- $20000 for ELI, $26000 for graduate student, and
  • $28000 for undergraduate student plus $3000 per dependent. The proof of funding may be a
  • bank statement (checking or savings account) or certificate of deposit and will need to include
  • the previous 3 months. A letter from a bank, financial institute, or Admissions Purpose Only
  • financial guarantee will not be sufficient. Students will need include the ISSS affidavit
  • (sponsors outside the U.S.) or the I-134 (sponsors in the U.S.) at
  • http://www.tamuc.edu/CampusLife/CampusServices/internationalStudentServices/documents/
  • InternationalStudentServicesStatementofFinances.pdf.
    • Letter stating reason for change of status
  • The ISSS will review all documents and issue the F-1 I-20 for change of status if eligible within
  • 10 business days.
  • There is a $290 application fee with USCIS for the change of status application. Students will
  • need to include a money order (no cash, personal check) made out to Department of Homeland
  • Security.
  • Once the I-20 has been issued, the person applying for the change of status will need to pay the
  • SEVIS I-901 fee at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.jsp. A payment receipt for the I901SEVIS fee is required with your application to USCIS.

Other Visa Categories to F-1

Individuals within the U.S. through other visa categories may be eligible to change their visa status to F-1. For
more information go to Who can study? Whether an individual can study or be employed while awaiting their
change of status to F-1 approval will depend upon to regulations related to their current visa status. For more
information you may email [email protected] or visit the Office of International Student & Scholar Services
during Advising Hours.

Please keep in mind the following:

  • The change of status application has to be received by USCIS while your current visa status is still in a valid
  • status. If the applicants is here as a dependent then their visa status is valid status as long as the principal
  • visa holder’s status is valid. As long as the change of status application is received by USCIS while the
  • applicants current status is valid then USCIS will generally adjudicate the application. Please note this is
  • at the discretion of USCIS.
  • While USCIS general processing times are 2-3 months, most change of statuses will take much longer.
  • Many change of status applications have taken up to nine (9) months for USCIS to process and some
  • schools have reported a processing time of over twelve (12) months. Students should plan for a
  • minimum USCIS processing time of between four (4) and nine (9) months.
  • Applicants may contact USCIS after 90 days from their application receipt notice date to inquire about their
  • application. There are very limited options to request an expedite for an application and to learn more
  • about USCIS’s expedite policy go to USCIS Expedite. The ISSS cannot intervene with USCIS to request
  • an expedite.
  • Applicants filing for a change of status will not be eligible for any benefits related to the F-1 visa status
  • until their change of status is approved.
  • Applicants will generally not be eligible for on-campus employment until the start date of the next
  • available semester after the approval notice effective date for the change of status.
  • Once the application is filed the applicant cannot travel outside the U.S. or the change of visa status will be
  • considered abandoned.
  • Once the change of visa status is approved, the next time the applicant travels outside the U.S. they will be
  • required to apply for an F-1 visa before they will be permitted to re-enter the U.S.
  • All applicants will be required to attend the next available International Student Orientation and will be
  • required to enroll in the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) unless they meet one of the
  • allowed waivers.
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