Traveling requires visiting a U.S. consulate outside the U.S. to obtain the new visa stamp, typically in the country in which you are a citizen. The amount of time needed to change status by travel varies, but generally is faster than changing status in the U.S. However, visa applications may be subject to security checks which can significantly delay the approval process.

The earliest you can enter the US is 30 days before your DS-2019 or I-20 start date.

Please consult with ISSS if taking this step.

The amount of time needed for processing a change of status can take 5, 6, 7 months or even longer. ISSS strongly recommends you plan to obtain a new visa via travel as described in the first column.

• If you are F-2 changing to F-1 or J-1 - If your F-1/J-1 is not approved by the first day of the semester, you must have ISSS change your start date to the next available session, which may also require action by the Office of Admissions. You may also choose to enroll in courses as long as you do not enroll full-time.
• If you are B-1/B-2 changing to F-1 or J-1 - If your F-1/J-1 is not approved by the first day of the semester, you must withdraw your entire registration as you are not permitted to study in B status. You may also need to make plans to depart the U.S. if your B visitor status is no longer valid.
• If you are any other status changing to F-1 or J-1 - You may be able to remain registered, depending on individual circumstances. You will need to have ISSS change your program start date, and you may need to find an immigration attorney to help you file a "bridge application" to continue your current status while you wait for the F-1/J-1 approval.
• Students in any of the above situations must consult with ISSS in a timely way or risk losing your legal status!

This process does not give you a new visa stamp. The next time you travel outside the U.S. you will need to visit a U.S. consulate or embassy to request a new visa stamp that reflects your changed status.

Note: It is not recommended that you apply for your new visa in a “third country,” e.g. Canada or Mexico, unless you are a citizen or legal resident of these countries. If denied a visa, you must return to your home country to apply for a visa there. You may not be able to return to the U.S. in your previous status.

Individuals subject to the J-1 Two Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement 212(e) are not eligible for change of status within the US unless they have obtained a waiver of the requirement.

Individuals in B-1/B-2 status may find it extremely difficult to change status within the U.S. Individuals who entered using the Visa Waiver Program (WB/WT) are not eligible to change status within the U.S.

You should not travel outside of the U.S. while a change of status application is pending; it is construed as abandoning the petition.

Gap Between End of Prior Status and Start of F-1/J-1 - USCIS requires you to maintain your existing status (such as B-1, B-2, H-1B, H-4, etc.) while you are waiting for the F-1 to be approved, so that your current status does not end more than 30 days before the Program Start Date. If your prior status does end, this will cause status problems for you if your F-1/J-1 is not approved by the first day of classes in many cases.

• You should be prepared to file a "bridge application" to extend your current status should there be any delays in approving your F-1/J-1 status - if you fail to maintain your current status you risk a denial of the F-1/J-1 application. If the F-1/J-1 application is denied, and your existing status ended, you have no grace period and may have to leave the U.S. immediately.
• ISSS is unable to advise and assist with bridge applications, and you should consult a reputable immigration attorney who has experience with this issue.
• You may find more details about bridge applications here.

• Filing fee: A filing fee is required for the primary change of status applicant as well as each co-applicant is more than one person is listed on the form. Beginning in March 2019 there will also be a required biometric services fee. Please see this page and click on the section for fees. Consult with ISSS if you are not clear on exactly how much you should submit. (You may use one check to pay for all application and biometrics fees, including those for any dependents listed on the I-539A. Write a personal check payable to “Department of Homeland Security”)
• Form I-539 - read the instructions found on that page
• Form I-539A - only if you are including others in the change of status application, such as an H-4 spouse changing to F-2 status. This will also require additional application and biometrics fees, as noted above.
• Photocopies of all documents (ex. I-20s, DS-2019s, H-1B Approval Notice, etc.) you hold in your current status
• A photocopy of your current visa
• A photocopy of your Form I-94
• A photocopy of your passport personal data page(s) (i.e., the page(s) with your name, photograph, and the expiration date of your passport)
• Evidence of financial support (i.e., bank statement, assistantship offer letter, etc.)
• Waiver letter – if you were ever J-1/J-2 and subject to 212(e) and applied for and received a waiver

• A photocopy of your new I-20 or DS-2019, signed by you on page 1
• SEVIS Fee I-797 Receipt showing payment of SEVIS fee
• If currently a dependent of a spouse/parent, photocopies of your spouse/parent’s documents: I-94, passport pages (photograph and the expiration date of passport), visa, proof of status (such as the I-20, DS-2019, H-1B Approval Notice) and proof of status maintenance (such as F-1 principal's transcript if F-1 is active in their degree program, or OPT I-20 and employment offer letter if F-1 is active on OPT)

• A photocopy of your new dependent I-20 or DS-2019, signed by your spouse or parent on page 1
• Photocopies of your spouse/parent’s documents: I-94, passport pages (photograph and the expiration date of passport), visa, proof of status (such as the I-20, DS-2019, H-1B Approval Notice)
• A copy of your marriage certificate, along with a certified English translation if it is in another language (This is NOT necessary if your spouse’s name is on your visa.)
• Certificate of Enrollment from the UI Service Center, 2700 UCC (or the registrar at the university your spouse is attending) if your F-1/J1 spouse or parent is a student to verify that your spouse/parent has been enrolled full-time, and a copy of the most recent transcript. If you were previously a student, please also obtain a certificate of enrollment and transcript verifying your student status as well.
• Letter from Department – If your J-1 spouse/parent is a visiting scholar, have the department write a letter saying he/she is employed there in good standing

Yes, but never on a full-time basis

No

No; casual or "incidental" course enrollment may be possible; please consult with ISSS

Only for your J-1 sponsor as stated on the DS-2019

Yes

Only with authorization from J1-sponsor

Yes

Only with work authorization

Yes if still fulfilling requirements of H-1B employment at the time the F-1 application is submitted, and ending employment within 30 days of the requested F-1 start date once approved

No, only after the F-1 is approved; you can continue to work for your H-1B employer while waiting for the F-1 approval as long as you maintain the terms of H-1B status

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Please consult with ISSS

Please consult with ISSS