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. Apply 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 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status. 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 immigration attorney 
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. Apply 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 USCIS Case Status Service Online.

• 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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