Leave the U.S., apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate, and reenter the U.S. with the new visa and other relevant documents. You will gain your new status when you are admitted into the U.S.

Advantages

• This process is usually faster than changing status in the U.S.
• You will obtain the visa and the status

Disadvantages

• Possibility of visa processing delay
• Expense of travel

Application Steps:

1. Request an I-20 from the ISSO
   • To request an I-20, you will need to provide:
     1. Current financial documentation, less than 6 months old
     2. A copy of your passport identity page (including date of birth, name, photo, and expiration date)
     3. A copy of the passport identity pages for any dependents on your record
2. Travel back to your home country
3. for an F-1 Visa
4. Complete the Health Insurance Requirement
5. Re-enter the United States using your new F-1 Visa and I-20
6. Complete Immigration Check-In

Submit an application to the (USCIS) for a . This option allows you to change your nonimmigrant status while remaining in the U.S. With this option you may gain the new status but you will not receive a new visa; visas are only issued outside the U.S.

Advantages

• Ability to stay in the U.S. during processing
• Avoid the hassle of a visa application process (for now)

Disadvantages

• Processing can be very slow, which may jeopardize your ability to begin your new activity, such as studying or accepting a research or teaching assistantship or other campus employment.
• You must stay in the U.S. during processing; exiting the U.S. cancels the application
• You must still obtain a visa stamp to match your status the next time you travel outside the U.S.
• The application might be denied, which could require you to quickly depart the U.S.

Application Steps:

1. Consult with an
2. Request an I-20 from the ISSO
   • To request an I-20, you will need to provide:
     1. Current financial documentation, less than 6 months old
     2. A copy of your passport identity page (including date of birth, name, photo, and expiration date)
     3. A copy of the passport identity pages for any dependents on your record
3. for change of status with USCIS
4. Upon approval, upload Form I-797 and notify your assigned International Student Advisor via email
5. Complete the Health Insurance Requirement
6. Complete Immigration Check-In

Things to Remember:

Processing times vary, so be prepared to wait to learn the outcome of your application. To review current processing times and your pending case status, visit the .

• Approval or denial
  • USCIS will notify you of their decision with Form I-797 Notice of Action. The I-797 is an important document and should be kept with your passport and I-94 card. The denial letter or approval notice will be mailed to the address listed on Form I-539 in your application. Note that if you change your address, the postal service will not forward mail sent to you by USCIS. Please upload your I-797.

• Remaining in the U.S. during processing
  • You may remain in the U.S. while your application is pending, even if your original status expires during the application processing.

• Travel outside the U.S. while application is pending
  • Do not travel outside of the U.S. while your change of status case is pending. If you leave the country, USCIS will consider your application abandoned.

• Travel outside the U.S. after application is approved
  • In order to re-enter the U.S. after a trip abroad (except for brief trips to Canada or Mexico under 30 days), you must visit a U.S. consulate to request a new visa to match your new status.

• Employment eligibility
  • Do not begin employment, if permitted under the new status, until the change of status is approved.

• Applications Pending After the Start of the Semester
  • New I-20 is Required 
  • If your Change of Status to F-1 application is still pending after the program start date printed on your I-20, the ISSO must defer the program start date to a future term. You must submit the new I-20 to USCIS with a copy of your USCIS receipt notice.
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