Change of Status
Obtaining and Changing Visa Status
When you entered the United States at a Port of Entry (usually an airport), you were processed by an officer from US Customs and Border Protection. At that time, the officer assigned you a status that matched your visa and other documents. This is also called your “class of admission” on your Admission (I-94) Record. Each status allows certain activities and has a specific length of time that a visitor can remain in the USA. To change this status, a non-immigrant who visits the USA has two options: to leave the USA and return with new documents or to file a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
COS applications are processed by USCIS at their discretion. This process currently takes between 9 to 14 months.
Study Benefits
Depending on your current status, study is either required to maintain status or prohibited until you are approved as an F-1 student. Please email oiaservices@una.edu with questions.
| Current status allows study (e.g. F2, G4, H1, L1) | Study is encouraged in the allowed amount, part-time or full-time. |
| Current status does not allow study (e.g. B1/B2) | Study cannot begin until approval is granted. |
| F-1 Reinstatement | Full-time study is required. |
| No status | Study cannot begin until approval is granted. |
Working and Driving Benefits
Depending on your current status or lack of status, benefits such as working in the US or obtaining or updating an Alabama driver license may not be available. Please email oiaservices@una.edu with questions.
International Travel
After your file the I-539 application, do not leave the United States. USCIS will consider your application to be “abandoned” (meaning you do not want to continue) if you leave the USA while it is under review. This will cause USCIS to cancel your application.
Visa Interview
Even after your change of status is approved, the next time you travel internationally you will need to have an F-1 visa interview at a US embassy or consulate. The change of status is not a visa stamp (passport in passport), and a visa stamp is required for international travel to the United States. If you remain in the United States, a visa stamp is not necessary.
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Please review USCIS’s webpage on Form I-539 (www.uscis.gov/i-539) for complete instructions regarding your current visa status. The Office of International Affairs cannot provide guidance on completing the I-539. The applicant is responsible for filing an accurate and complete application. If you do not feel confident in preparing your application, we recommend working with an experienced attorney.
Form I-20 Issued for Change of Status
The Form I-20 that you have received from the Office of International Affairs has been issued for Change of Status. It cannot and should not be used to apply for an F-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate. It is only to be used for filing an I-539 application with USCIS from within the United States. If you do want to stop the I-539 process, you must formally withdraw the request in writing.
If you wish to establish your F-1 status by travel to receive an F-1 visa stamp in your passport, you will need a different Form I-20 issued for Initial Attendance. Please email oiaservices@una.edu for assistance in advance.
Start Date of Form I-20
Your Form I-20 has been created with the next available Program Start Date. If that date comes and the application has not been approved, International Affairs will change the date to the start of the next semester. We will provide you with an updated Form I-20. You will need to upload this updated Form I-20 to your online application to prevent issues with your application.
SEVIS I-901 Fee
All F-1 students pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee to the US Department of Homeland Security. Before filing your I-539 application, go to www.fmjfee.com. Enter information from your Form I-20 to complete the simple payment of $350.
I-797 Receipt
After filing the online I-539, you should be able to find a “receipt notice” in your online portal. You may also receive a piece of paper in the mail. These are called an I-797 Notice of Action. This paper will contain the receipt number for your application. The Receipt Number is vitally important when seeking information or updates on your application. Please send a copy to oiaservices@una.edu as proof of filing.
Simple Steps:
- Meet with a DSO in the Office of International Affairs to discuss your current status and eligibility to change status. Email oiaservices@una.edu to request an appointment.
- Submit request form for Form I-20 issued for Change of Status.
- Begin your Form I-539 application online at https://myaccount.uscis.gov/.
- Gather copies of your I-94, passport, visa, and items on checklist below.
- Pay filing fees will be made by credit card.
Please review USCIS’s webpage on Form I-539 (www.uscis.gov/i-539) for complete instructions regarding your current visa status. The Office of International Affairs cannot provide guidance on completing the I-539. The applicant is responsible for filing an accurate and complete application. If you do not feel confident in preparing your application, we recommend working with an experienced attorney.
Application Process
To request a Form I-20 for Change of Status, please complete the request form and submit it with all evidence to oiaservices@una.edu. The request form provides detailed descriptions of requested evidence. For more information or to discuss your options, please contact a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Office of International Affairs.