Change of Status to F-1

Overview • Eligibility • How to Apply • Study, Employment and Travel with a Pending Application

Advisors at International Student Services can provide general guidance on the Change of Status to F-1 process and help you maintain your SEVIS record once your F-1 status is approved. However, we are not immigration attorneys. Given the complexity of the process and potential impact on future immigration benefits, we strongly recommend that you to work with a qualified immigration attorney.

Overview

If you're currently in the U.S. under a different nonimmigrant status and plan to pursue full-time studies at the University of Arizona, you can acquire F-1 status in one of two ways:

  1. Change of Status within the U.S.: You must submit an application for a Change of Status to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  2. Leave and Reentry: You must leave the U.S., apply for an F‑1 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad (if applicable), and reenter in F‑1 status. While this option can sometimes be faster than waiting for USCIS to adjudicate a Change of Status, it also involves the costs of international travel and uncertainty of visa issuance.

Eligibility for a Change of Status I-20

A Form I-20 from the University of Arizona confirms that you meet the University’s requirements to request F-1 status through USCIS, but it does not guarantee that USCIS will approve your change of status request.

 For more information review Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website.

To receive a Change of Status I-20, you must:

  • Be admitted to or enrolled in a full-time, in-person academic program at the University of Arizona.
  • Provide documentation of financial support showing you can meet tuition, fees, and living expenses for at least one academic year.

How to Apply

  1. Meet with an international student advisor to discuss the Change of Status process and timeline.
  2. Complete the F-1 Immigration Tutorial to learn the requirements for maintaining F-1 status.
  3. Request an I-20. Submit the Change of Status e-form in MyGlobal. In the e-form, you will be asked to provide:
    • Proof of funding
    • Academic advisor’s information (for confirming your expected degree completion date)
  4. Submit the Form I-539, I-20, supporting documents and fees to USCIS. USCIS offers the option to file electronically or to send the complete application to USCIS by mail. You must choose one filing option. Do not file both. You can read more about the Benefits of a USCIS Online Account on the USCIS website.
  5. Email your receipt notice to ISS. After receiving your application, USCIS will send a receipt within 2-3 weeks. The receipt is called Form I-797 Notice of Action. You must submit a copy of the receipt to ISS.
  6. Wait for USCIS to adjudicate your application. If required, USCIS will send instructions for biometrics services. While your application is pending, you should not travel outside the U.S. If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), we strongly recommend that you contact an immigration attorney for assistance.
  7. Submit the final decision notice to ISS. After your change of status has been adjudicated by USCIS, they will send an I-797 Notice of Action. You must submit a copy of the notice to ISS.
    • If approved, you must enroll full-time in the first available term.
    • If denied, ISS cannot advise on penalties for remaining unlawfully present in the United States. In that case, you must speak with an immigration attorney. You cannot appeal a denial, but may be able to file a motion to reopen or reconsider.

Change of Status applications can take several months to adjudicate. You can check processing times on the USCIS website.

Study, Employment and Travel with a Pending Application

Whether or not you can begin studying or working before your change of status to F-1 is approved depends on your current immigration status.

You must wait for approval before starting any studies if:

  • You are in B-1 or B-2 (visitor) status.
  • You are in F-2 status and plan to study full-time.

You may begin studying while your application is pending if:

You may begin working while your application is pending if:

  • You have employment authorization under your current, valid status.

If you leave the U.S. with a pending application, USCIS will deny your application. Meet with an international student advisor if you need to travel internationally. 

IMPORTANT  If your change of status application is denied, you may be required to leave the U.S. quickly. This could disrupt your studies and delay your academic progress. If you’re unsure whether your current status allows study, contact ISS or consult with an immigration attorney.