{"id":1137,"date":"2024-10-21T15:09:35","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T19:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/?page_id=1137"},"modified":"2024-10-21T16:07:03","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T20:07:03","slug":"changing-to-f-1-student-status","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/international-students\/changing-to-f-1-student-status\/","title":{"rendered":"Changing to F-1 Student Status"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you are currently in the United States under a different non-immigrant status and wish to change your status to F-1 student, there are specific steps and important considerations to be aware of.<\/p>\n<p>Please carefully follow the instructions below to initiate your Change of Status (COS) to F-1, and take note of the visa statuses that do not allow for study in the U.S.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Who Can Apply for a Change of Status to F-1?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>You may be eligible to apply for a Change of Status (COS) to F-1 if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You are not in a status that prohibits a change of status<\/li>\n<li>You have been admitted to a full-time academic program at Â鶹´«Ã½AVPeter\u2019s University<\/li>\n<li>You have sufficient time left in your current status to remain legally in the U.S. until you file your application for a change of status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Not Eligible to Change Status to F-1<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Not all non-immigrant visa holders are eligible to change to F-1 status. Before proceeding, please review the following information about statuses that do and do not allow study in the U.S. You are not eligible for a change of status if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>You are currently in the U.S. under the &#8216;visa waiver&#8217; program:<\/strong> If you entered the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, which allows certain nationals to visit the U.S. for tourism or business purposes without a visa, you are typically not eligible to change your status to F-1. The VWP does not permit a change of status while in the United States.<\/li>\n<li><strong>You are currently in the U.S. as a J-1 exchange visitor (or J-2 dependent) subject to Section 212e of the INA, i.e., the &#8216;two-year home residency requirement&#8217;:<\/strong> If you are a J-1 exchange visitor subject to the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement, you cannot change your status to F-1 unless you have obtained a <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/study\/exchange\/waiver-of-the-exchange-visitor\/how-to-apply-waiver.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">waiver of the requirement<\/a> or fulfilled it by returning to your home country for the required two years.<\/li>\n<li><strong>You are currently in the U.S. in M-1 status:<\/strong> (vocational student) visa, you are generally not eligible to change your status to F-1. These visa categories have specific restrictions that prevent a change<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>You are currently in the U.S. but in violation of your current immigration status.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Immigration Statuses That DO NOT Allow Study<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"accordions-1139\" class=\"accordions-1139 accordions\" data-accordions={&quot;lazyLoad&quot;:true,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;1139&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;collapsible&quot;:&quot;true&quot;,&quot;heightStyle&quot;:&quot;content&quot;,&quot;animateStyle&quot;:&quot;swing&quot;,&quot;animateDelay&quot;:1000,&quot;navigation&quot;:true,&quot;active&quot;:999,&quot;expandedOther&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}>\r\n                <div id=\"accordions-lazy-1139\" class=\"accordions-lazy\" accordionsId=\"1139\">\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"items\"  style=\"display:none\" >\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1139\" itemcount=\"0\"  header_id=\"header-1729537171842\" id=\"header-1729537171842\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537171842 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"B-1\/B-2 (Tourist\/Business Visitor)\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537171842\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537171842\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">B-1\/B-2 (Tourist\/Business Visitor)<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537171842 \">\r\n                <p>B-1\/B-2 visa holders are not allowed to legally engage in full-time study while in the U.S. Individuals in this category must either exit the U.S. and apply for an F-1 visa abroad or apply for a Change of Status before beginning any academic program. You must wait for your F-1 status to be approved before starting classes.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1139\" itemcount=\"1\"  header_id=\"header-1729537204608\" id=\"header-1729537204608\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537204608 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"F-2 (Dependent of F-1 Student)\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537204608\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537204608\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">F-2 (Dependent of F-1 Student)<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537204608 \">\r\n                <p>F-2 dependents are not permitted to enroll in full-time study programs at post-secondary institutions. They can, however, engage in part-time study. To pursue full-time education, a change to F-1 status is required.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1139\" itemcount=\"2\"  header_id=\"header-1729537212192\" id=\"header-1729537212192\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537212192 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537212192\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537212192\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537212192 \">\r\n                <p>Individuals admitted under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) are not eligible to extend their stay or change their status to F-1. They must depart the U.S. and apply for an F-1 visa from their home country.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Steps to Apply for a Change of Status to F-1<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"accordions-1141\" class=\"accordions-1141 accordions\" data-accordions={&quot;lazyLoad&quot;:true,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;1141&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;collapsible&quot;:&quot;true&quot;,&quot;heightStyle&quot;:&quot;content&quot;,&quot;animateStyle&quot;:&quot;swing&quot;,&quot;animateDelay&quot;:1000,&quot;navigation&quot;:true,&quot;active&quot;:999,&quot;expandedOther&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}>\r\n                <div id=\"accordions-lazy-1141\" class=\"accordions-lazy\" accordionsId=\"1141\">\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"items\"  style=\"display:none\" >\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1141\" itemcount=\"0\"  header_id=\"header-1729537371685\" id=\"header-1729537371685\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537371685 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"STEP 1: Submit Your Application for Admission\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537371685\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537371685\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">STEP 1: Submit Your Application for Admission<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537371685 \">\r\n                <p>You must first be admitted to a full-time academic program at Â鶹´«Ã½AVPeter\u2019s University. If you have not already done so, please complete the admissions process and submit all required documents.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1141\" itemcount=\"1\"  header_id=\"header-1729537415335\" id=\"header-1729537415335\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537415335 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"STEP 2: Pay the Tuition Deposit\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537415335\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537415335\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">STEP 2: Pay the Tuition Deposit<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537415335 \">\r\n                <p>After receiving your admission letter, you will need to submit a tuition deposit to secure your spot at Â鶹´«Ã½AVPeter\u2019s University. <a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.saintpeters.edu\/account\/login?r=https%3a%2f%2fadmissions.saintpeters.edu%2fportal%2fapplicantportal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit your Peacock Applicant Portal to submit your deposit<\/a>.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1141\" itemcount=\"2\"  header_id=\"header-1729537473141\" id=\"header-1729537473141\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537473141 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"STEP 3: Request an I-20\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537473141\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537473141\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">STEP 3: Request an I-20<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537473141 \">\r\n                <p>Once your tuition deposit has been processed (usually within 5 business days), apply for an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) through the <a href=\"https:\/\/isss.saintpeters.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Student Portal<\/a>. This document is required for your Change of Status application.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1141\" itemcount=\"3\"  header_id=\"header-1729537473815\" id=\"header-1729537473815\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537473815 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"STEP 4: Pay the SEVIS Fee\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537473815\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537473815\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">STEP 4: Pay the SEVIS Fee<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537473815 \">\r\n                <p>After receiving your I-20, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which is required by the U.S. government to cover the cost of maintaining the SEVIS system for international students. You can pay the SEVIS fee online at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fmjfee.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.fmjfee.com<\/a>. Be sure to keep the receipt as proof of payment, as you will need to include this with your Form I-539 application.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1141\" itemcount=\"4\"  header_id=\"header-1729537474422\" id=\"header-1729537474422\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537474422 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"STEP 5: Submit Your Application to USCIS\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537474422\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537474422\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">STEP 5: Submit Your Application to USCIS<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537474422 \">\r\n                <p>Once you have completed all required forms and gathered your supporting documentation, submit your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i539online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-539<\/a>, \u201cApplication to Extend\/Change Nonimmigrant Status,\u201d, and supporting documents to USCIS. You may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i539online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">file online<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/document\/forms\/i-539.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">by mail<\/a>, depending on your preference.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>The application packet must include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Form I-539, completed and signed<\/li>\n<li>A copy of your Form I-20 issued by Â鶹´«Ã½AVPeter\u2019s University<\/li>\n<li>Evidence of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Proof of your current immigration status (I-94 record, current visa stamp, and other documentation)<\/li>\n<li>A cover letter explaining why you are requesting a change to F-1 status<\/li>\n<li>The filing fee (check the USCIS website for the latest fee schedule).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1141\" itemcount=\"5\"  header_id=\"header-1729537475051\" id=\"header-1729537475051\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537475051 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"STEP 6: Maintain Your Current Status\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537475051\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537475051\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">STEP 6: Maintain Your Current Status<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537475051 \">\r\n                <p>While your Change of Status application is pending, we recommend that you maintain your current immigration status.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1141\" itemcount=\"6\"  header_id=\"header-1729537475662\" id=\"header-1729537475662\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537475662 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"STEP 7: Await USCIS Decision\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537475662\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537475662\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">STEP 7: Await USCIS Decision<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537475662 \">\r\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/processing-times\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USCIS processing times<\/a> can vary, so be sure to check the status of your application online using your receipt number. Once your Change of Status is approved, you will receive a new I-94 indicating your F-1 status.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1141\" itemcount=\"7\"  header_id=\"header-1729537476298\" id=\"header-1729537476298\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1729537476298 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"STEP 8: Notify the CGL\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1729537476298\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1729537476298\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">STEP 8: Notify the CGL<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1729537476298 \">\r\n                <p>Notify the CGL immediately upon adjudication of your application so that we can make your SEVIS record active.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Important Considerations<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Travel:<\/strong> If you leave the U.S. while your I-539 application is pending with USCIS, your application will be considered abandoned. If you plan to travel, it is generally advised to change your status through travel and reentry<\/p>\n<p><strong>Visas: <\/strong>Applying in the U.S. only leads to a change of status. It does not mean that you have been issued a visa. If you decide to travel outside the U.S. after your application has been approved, you will need to visit the U.S. consulate abroad and apply for an F-1 visa in order to return to the U.S. in F-1 status.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Processing Time:<\/strong> USCIS processing times for Change of Status applications can vary widely, ranging from several months to over a year. It is imperative that you contact the Center for Global Learning if your Change of Status application is not approved by the program start date on your I-20. Failure to inform us would result in the automatic cancelation of your SEVIS record by SEVP and denial of your application. Be sure to apply well in advance of your program start date. If time is a concern, the travel and reentry option may be faster.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Things to Remember<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Notify the CGL immediately upon adjudication of your application so that we can make your SEVIS record Active. Failure to do so will result in the automatic termination of your SEVIS record.<\/li>\n<li>Notify the CGL immediately if your application is not approved by the program start date indicated on your I-20. If your application for change of status is not approved by the program start date, you must ask that the CGL defer the start date of your program to the next available trimester. Failure to defer the program start date will cause your SEVIS record to be automatically \u201cCompleted\u201d by SEVP.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Need Help?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If you have any questions about the Change of Status process, please reach out to the Center for Global Learning at <a href=\"mailto:iss@saintpeters.edu\">iss@saintpeters.edu<\/a> or make an appointment with an International Student Advisor.<\/p>\n<p>We look forward to welcoming you as an F-1 student at Â鶹´«Ã½AVPeter\u2019s University and supporting you on your academic journey!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contact Us<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Center for Global Learning (CGL)<br \/>\nAddress:<em>\u00a0<\/em>2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Lee House<br \/>\nJersey City, NJ 07306<br \/>\nPhone:<em>\u00a0<\/em>201-761-7190 Email:<em>\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"mailto:iss@saintperters.edu\">iss@saintperters.edu<\/a><br \/>\nAppointment Links:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/CGLappt\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/CGLappt<\/a>\u00a0 OR\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/CGLappt2\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/CGLappt2<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Hours of Operation<\/strong><br \/>\nMonday &#8211; Friday: 9am &#8211; 5pm<br \/>\n<em><strong>*The CGL is closed on weekends and most national holidays.*<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are currently in the United States under a different non-immigrant status and wish to change your status to F-1 student, there are specific steps and important considerations to be aware of. Please carefully follow the instructions below to initiate your Change of Status (COS) to F-1, and take note of the visa statuses [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1293,"featured_media":0,"parent":258,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1137","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1137","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1293"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1137"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1137\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1145,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1137\/revisions\/1145"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/258"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1137"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}