Eligibility Requirements for Change of Status to F-1
- The applicant's current nonimmigrant status must be valid at the time USCIS receives the change of status to F-1 application.
- The applicant must (a) be in their current visa status for at least three months before filing a change of status to F-1 application with USCIS; or (b) provide to USCIS proof of no preconceived intent to study at the time of last entry to the U.S.
- The applicant’s most recent entry to the U.S. must not have been under the Visa Waiver Program as a visitor for business (WB status) or tourism (WT status).
Note: If an applicant is currently in J-1/J-2 status and subject to 212e or the 2 year home residency requirement, the applicant is not eligible to apply for a change of status in the U.S. unless they have obtained a waiver of this requirement.
Application Procedure
Individuals who choose to apply for a change of status to F-1 must follow the steps below.
1. Obtain an F-1 I-20
The Form I-20 is a "certificate of eligibility" for F-1 status; the form alone does not grant F-1 status itself. The process for obtaining an I-20 depends on whether the student is (a) newly admitted to the University and has not yet begun taking classes; or (b) currently enrolled at the University of Minnesota.
Newly Admitted Students to the University of Minnesota:
After admission to the University, confirm your enrollment, so you will be eligible to receive an I-20. If you have questions about the requirements to receive your I-20, email [email protected].
Students Currently Enrolled at the University of Minnesota:
Submit a completed Financial Certification Statement to an ISSS adviser during drop-in hours or a scheduled appointment. If you expect to have funding from the University of Minnesota after acquiring F-1 status, and you want that funding indicated on your I-20, you will need to submit evidence of the funding (for example, a scholarship offer letter) with your Financial Certification Statement.
An AI “Determine Current Visa Status” registration hold will be added to your UMN record as part of the I-20 processing. This hold will be removed once you complete the International Student Preparation Course and ISSS Check-in after you have received an F-1 approval notice (Form I-797) from USCIS.
2. Obtain the support of an immigration attorney when filing a change of status application with USCIS.
- Obtain the support of an immigration attorney when filing a change of status application with USCIS. Student Legal Service (SLS) is available to assist all UMN Twin Cities students paying the Student Services Fee. SLS intake staff will help determine eligibility for services. Alternatively, you may find and hire your own immigration attorney.
3. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and save a copy of the SEVIS fee receipt.
4. File your change of status to F-1 application with USCIS
- To complete Form I-539 online, go to the USCIS website, click on “file online,” and create a USCIS account, if you do not already have a USCIS account.
- Decide if you will request Premium Processing
Applicants may request a premium processing upgrade by filing a Request for Premium Processing and paying the Form I-907 fee. Premium Processing may be requested when filing Form I-539 or after the applicant’s Form I-539 is pending with USCIS. USCIS guarantees it will take adjudicative action on properly filed premium processing cases within 30 calendar days. Otherwise, USCIS will refund the premium processing fee.
- After you are signed into your USCIS account, follow the prompts to complete your application, and upload the following required items.
- Signed and dated letter from the applicant explaining why a change of status is needed
- Signed and dated Form I-20 with “Change of Status Requested” annotated on page 1
- Photocopy of applicant’s passport identity page
- Photocopy of applicant’s Form I-94
- Proof of funding that is greater than or equal to the funding amount indicated on the I-20 (for example: scholarship offer letter, bank statement, family member's letter of financial support, etc.).
- I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
5. Pay the I-539 form fee online
Pay the I-539 form fee online as the final step of filing your change of status application with USCIS. (Applicants who file Form I-539 are no longer required to pay the biometric services fee as part of the application process. In most cases, change of status to F-1 applicants will not be scheduled to attend a biometric services appointment. However, if USCIS determines biometrics are required, the applicant will receive a notice with information about appearing for their biometric services appointment).