Immigration Advising


F-1: Change of Non-Immigrant Status

There are two methods that can be used to change your non-immigrant status:

A. Outside the U.S.
Application is made for a visa for the new status at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

B. Within the U.S
Applications are submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS formerly INS).

It is possible to submit an application to USCIS to request to change from one status to another. For example, an individual may want to change from F-2 to F-1. There are four primary steps to every change of status application. The fifth step only applies to dependents (F-2, J-2, H-4, etc).

  1. USCIS Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

  2. $300 filing fee

  3. Evidence applicant is eligible for the requested status

  4. Evidence applicant is maintaining current status at time of application

  5. If applicant's current or requested status is dependent on someone else's status it isnecessary to show that person is also maintaining status (For example, an F-2 status is derivative of an F-1 status; therefore, the F-1 must maintain status in order for the F-2 to be in status).

It is important to understand that one is NOT applying to change visas but to change status. Please read Visa vs. Immigration Status for further explanation of the difference. If a change of status is approved, the applicant will not receive a new visa, but rather new status. The applicant is eligible for all the benefits of the newly approved status; however, if the applicant travels outside of the U.S.,it will be necessary for he/she to obtain a new visa while abroad in order to re-enter with the newly acquired status. For more details or if you would like an ISSS advisor to review your change of status application before you submit it to USCIS, please call ISSS at (785)864-3617 for an appointment.

More information on a specific Change of Status