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RESOURCES
Changing to F-1 Visa Status
You can apply for a change of status if you can prove that you have maintained your current nonimmigrant status and that you qualify for the new status. In addition, you must also show that you did not falsify your entry into the US by claiming you would be doing one activity when you knew you would be doing another after you entered. For example, an individual who enters on a tourist visa and immediately applies for a change to F status will probably be denied. Individuals who enter the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program may not change to another nonimmigrant status, but rather must leave the U.S. and obtain a new visa at an American consulate abroad.
ISSS Processing Time: see posted processing times
Immigration Processing Time: 1-6 months
Application Packet List
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Completed I-539, filled out online on the ISSS web site (not Immigration), printed and signed with blue ink
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Check for $300 made out to USCIS with your SEVIS ID number and "I-539" in the bottom left corner; personal checks only--no money orders
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Letter explaining why you'd like to change your status (see below for more information)
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Passport copies:
a. biographical information in passport (usually the page with the picture)
b. your most recent visa stamp
c. if on a different page than the one with your picture, the page showing the expiration date of your passport
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Financial documentation to show you have the funding for your degree (see link in #7 below for exact amounts that must be shown)
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Copies of front and back of I-94 card
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If you are in a dependent status (e.g. F-1, J-2, H4, etc.), you will also need to submit copies of the principal's (e.g. F-1, J-1, H-1, etc.) documents; this includes all I-20s/DS-2019s, passport (#4 above), I-94 (#5 above) and a transcript if the principal is a student.
I-539
Here are some tips on filling out this form:
Page 1, Part 1
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A#: unless you have been issued work permission with an EAD (Employment Authorization Document), you wouldn't have one
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Date of Last Arrival/I-94#: both are on your I-94
Page 1, Part 4
Page 3, Part 4
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"If you answered 'No' to Question 3g": Type the following: My [father/mother/family] will support me during my studies. Please see the attached documentation.
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"If you answered 'Yes' to Question 3g": provide the requested information and, if applicable, include copies of any EADs you have had.
Page 4
LETTER
Write a brief letter of explanation, keeping the following points in mind, and e-mail it to ISSS before submitting with application. The advisor will ensure you have included all of the pertinent information and reply with any suggested changes.
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must have the date and be signed in blue ink
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address to "To Whom It May Concern:"
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your current SEVIS U.S. address must be included
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include I-94 and SEVIS ID number
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should explain what your current status is and why you'd like to change to the F-1 visa status
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must include information on how you will use degree earned at ODU when you return to your home country
FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION
Financial documents (bank statements/assistantship letter) must accompany the paperwork you submit to ISSS. These documents must be original. Faxes, photocopies or statements printed from your computer are unacceptable. If you are not the account holder, a letter from the person in whose name the account was opened must be with the documentation. It should mention your name and how much/how long s/he is willing to sponsor your studies.
INCLUDING DEPENDENTS ON YOUR APPLICATION
If you are requesting a change to F-1 or J-1 and have dependents with you who will be changing to F-2 or J-2 status, you must also complete page 4 of the I-539. You must have proof of the relationship such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate. However, if the dependents already have "derivative" status (e.g. H-4, F-2 or J-2), this proof is not necessary. It is necessary to submit copies of your dependents' I-94s, biographical information in passports and any other visa documentation.
PHOTOCOPIES
Be sure all photopies are legible; Immigration may return your application if they can't read the information. The copies and forms should only be on 8.5" x 11" paper (American size) and one-sided. Please do not enlarge an image; all copies should be the actual size of the document.
I-901 SEVIS FEE RECEIPT
Once your I-20 is issued, ISSS will e-mail you at your ODU student e-mail account (e.g. msmit001@...) with two numbers (ODU's school code and your SEVIS ID number) and instructions on how to pay your fee online. You will include the receipt you print in your application.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION & FOLLOW-UP CORRESPONDENCE
Applicants are responsible for sending their own application to Immigration. We strongly recommend you use a courier service so you can track your package and confirm its delivery. You will get a receipt in the mail two to six weeks after Immigration gets your application package. This document is very important and also has the number you can use to track your application online. Sometimes, Immigration will send an RFE (Request for Evidence) if there are questions about your paperwork or your application; please let ISSS if we can assist you with your reply to Immigration.
UPON APPROVAL OF YOUR CHANGE OF STATUS
If your application is approved, Immigration will send you two things (usually separately): your stamped I-20 and an I-797 Approval Notice. Please scan and e-mail these documents (preferably to PDF format). ISSS must issue you a new I-20 and we will e-mail you when it can be picked up from our office. When you come to get your document(s), you'll also need to submit proof of health insurance--if you haven't yet done so--and a completed SEVIS Responsibilities sheet.
TRAVEL AFTER YOUR STATUS HAS CHANGED
The next time you leave the U.S., you will need an F-1 visa stamp in your passport to return. This means you will need to go to a U.S. consulate overseas to make the application. To be sure you have the proper documents, we recommend you read over the Travel Reminders linked from the main page of our site.
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS AFTER A CHANGE OF STATUS
It may be that your funding is through a graduate assistantship, but please note that you cannot start work until you have your approved I-20 in-hand. You will need to do employment paperwork with ISSS before you begin your employment.
IF YOUR APPROVAL IS DELAYED
While the application is in process, it is necessary to wait for the approval before classes can be started. If your application is approved in the middle of a semester, it is necessary to wait for the next available semester, which means you must wait to begin an assistantship.
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