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Change of Status

Generally, aliens except those on C, D, K, M, and in some cases J visas, can change to F-1 status. However, any alien who entered on the Visa Waiver Pilot Program is not eligible to change to F-1 status.

Note: J-visas must not be subject to the 2-year home country physical presence test.

Students wishing to apply for change of status must submit the following to the international admissions office:

• Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (This document is in PDF format)
• Evidence of financial support
• Required fee (currently $195.00)
• Proof of payment of SEVIS I-901 fee, see http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/index.htm for more details
• Photocopy of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, and passport ID pages
• Photocopy of I-94 card

The International Admissions Evaluator will issue you a new I-20 to be sent with the Change of Status application. Expect a 3-5 month processing time once the application is received by CIS (formerly known as INS).

The applicant (with the exception of individuals with a B-1/B-2 visa) is eligible to start attending school immediately after applying for change of status. The applicant may not work during the processing time.