Change of Status to F-1
UPDATE:
The USCIS Processing Center in Mesquite, Texas is taking approximately 120 days to process applications for change of status.
Therefore, you can expect to receive an official notification from USCIS 120 days after you have submitted your application.
As such, some students may choose to make visa appointments in Canada or Mexico instead.
If traveling outside of the United States for an F-1 visa, students should bring the following documents with them:
- Valid passport to re-enter the U.S.
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- SEVIS Form
- Current financial documents (and, if appropriate, a letter from student's sponsor or employer)
- Proof of intention to return to home country after completing education in U.S.
- Certification of Marriage (if appropriate)
Typically, a student makes a visa appointment at a U.S. consulate and following a morning interview with a U.S. State Department
official, the F-1 visa is available that same afternoon. However, if a visa application is denied, the student would not be
permitted to re-enter the United States.
To schedule a visa appointment in Canada or Mexico, go to www.nvars.com or call 1-900-443-3131.
Applying for Change of Status to F-1 within the United States
Students who prefer to file a change of status application within the U.S. must submit the following documents to the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS):
- Brief letter of explanation for the purpose of your application for change of status to F-1 (i.e. to receive the benefits
of F-1 status such as travel abroad, off-campus employment, and to be eligible for practical training after graduation).
- Original and photocopy of your CofC SEVIS Form which indicates that the document was issued for an application for change of status.
- Photocopy of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, and passport ID pages.
- Documents which establish the necessary financial support to complete the program of study. This should be the same financial
information used to obtain the SEVIS form from CofC.
- Dependent family member documentation: if dependent family members currently in the U.S. plan to change their status as well,
their information should be included in Form I-539, they should each be issued SEVIS forms and documentation showing the validity
of their current immigration status, including copies of their Forms I-94, should be included.
- If you are married and your spouse has a different last name a copy of your marriage certificate is recommended.
- A completed Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status).
- A check or money order made out to "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services" for $195.00.
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