Deadlines for filing

The USCIS can take 10-14 months to process a change of status application. OU ISS will not support change of status applications less than 10 months prior to a new program start date.

If you wish to start a program in less than 10 months in you new status, we recommend that you do the following:

1. Exit the US with the new I-20 or DS-2019, successfully complete a consular interview, and return to the US in your new status. For F-1 and J-1 visas, you CANNOT return to the US in your new status more than 30 days prior to your program start date. This is a US immigration regulation
2. Plan for a later program start date.

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Application requirements

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Any nonimmigrant visa holder (except those holding C, D, K, or M visa status, or visa waiver status) can apply for a change of status to F-1 if s/he has maintained lawful non-immigrant status up to the time of application. A person in J status may apply for a change of status within the US only if not subject to the 2-year home residency requirement. 

F-2 to F-1 changes of status cannot study full time until the USCIS approves change of status request.

Premium Processing is available for Form I-539

File Form I-539 together with Form I-907 when filing online or by mail. There is an additional fee for this service. It is paid directly to USCIS.

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STEP 1: Obtain a Change of Status I-20 or DS-2019

1. Complete the Change of Status form


2. We will review your documents and prepare a Change of Status I-20 or DS-2019for you. This process takes 3 to 10 business days.


3. We will email you when your I-20 is ready to be picked up


4. When you receive your I-20 ore DS-2019, sign it and include a copy of the signed original I-20 or DS-2019 with your Change of Status application.

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STEP 2: Pay your I-901 SEVIS fee

Change of status applicants changing to F-1 or J-1 with an “initial attendance” I-20 or DS-2019 must pay a one-time SEVIS fee. The fee can be paid online at www.fmjfee.com after issuance of a new I-20 or DS-2019. Print 2 copies of your payment confirmation. Include one with your application and keep one for yourself.

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STEP 3: Prepare your application to USCIS

1. Complete I-539 form – filing online is faster and easier, but you can file a paper application instead
   Part 1.  Enter the address where you would like your documents to be sent. You may use the OU ISS address if you would like your documents to be sent directly to our office.
   Part 2. #1. Choose “b.” and indicate the status you are requesting (F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2)
   Part 3. #1. Enter “D/S” for Duration of Status.
   Part 4. Must include a foreign address.
2. Write a letter of explanation for the USCIS, explaining why you need to change status, and why you entered the US in one status and now wish to change to a new status. Include why a denial of the status change would cause hardship. This is a required part of the application.
3. Gather the required information following the appropriate checklist (PDF).
   
4. The application must be mailed to the appropriate USCIS Service Center for adjudication. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/i-539 for the proper mailing address. We recommend you make a copy of your entire application and keep it for your records.
5.  USCIS will send a receipt notice to the address you indicated on your application.
   
6. If the change of status is approved, you will receive a new I-94 card at the bottom of your Approval Notice from USCIS.
   
7. If the USCIS sends the approval documents to your home address, you MUST bring your new documents to OU ISS within 10 days to allow us to register your change of status in SEVIS. Failure to do so will result in a termination of your new visa status.

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Notifying USCIS of Change of Address

If you move while your change of status is pending:

1. Notify USCIS immediately at egov.uscis.gov/coa/displayCOAForm.do
2. Notify OU ISS

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