Immigration & Visas: F-1 Students

• Immigration & Visas
• Visa Information for Newly Admitted Students
• F-1 Student Status
• I-20 Extension
• Changing Visa Status to F-1
• Current students: I-20 to request F-1 status
• Employment in F-1 Status
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• Extensions of OPT
• OPT Frequently Asked Questions
• OPT Report Form
• Are you Graduating Soon?
• Leave of Absence & "In Absentia" registration
• Medical Leave of Absence
• Change in Level or Degree Program
• Transfer of Schools
• Bringing F-2 dependents
• For Departments: I-9 for F-1 student

Changing your Immigration Status from B-2 Tourist or
B-2 "Prospective Student to F-1

If you are currently in B-1 or B-2 status and you want to pursue a program of study, you must change your visa status to F-1 (or another visa status that would allow you pursue a degree program).

To change from B-2 tourist or B-2 "prospective student" to F-1 student status within the U.S., complete the application packet (available at the ISSO or on-line below), and mail the items suggested in the application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After you are approved for the change of status, the next time you travel out of the U.S., you will have to go to a U.S. consulate to apply for the F-1 visa stamp in order to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status. Make certain your complete application is reviewed by an ISSO staff member before mailing. USCIS usually takes between 1 and 3 months to approve a change of status application. Please note: Your application to change to F-1 student status MUST BE APPROVED before you may legally enroll in classes.

ITEMS IN APPLICATION TO the appropriate USCIS office as stated in the I-539 instructions:

1. A receipt showing that you have paid the “SEVIS fee” which you can print when you pay the fee on line at: www.FMJfee.com.


2. A letter from you, requesting the change of status and explaining why you did not enter the US on an F-1 visa. If you entered on B-2 prospective student status and this is noted on your visa stamp or on your I-94 card, the change of status request is usually routinely granted, if all other documents are in order. Changing from the B-2 tourist status to F-1 student status is much more difficult, especially if the application is made in less than three months after your arrival in the US. Please consult with the ISSO before coming to the US on a B-2 visa. An adviser at the ISSO should look at your letter before you mail your packet to the USCIS.


3. Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (ISSO adviser can help you with items you don't understand; remember to fill out both sides of the form, answer questions in Part 4 item 3 on a separate page when necessary.


4. APPLICATION FEE: Check the I-539 form for the appropriate fee amount. Please write your check or money order payable to the Department of Homeland Security. Write your I-94 card number & the type of application you are requesting on your check or money order.


5. Your Cornell I-20. Send the original, not a copy. Be sure to read page 2 and sign on page 1, Item 11.


6. Photocopies of your immigration documents:
   

   ID page of your passport
   page in passport showing expiration date if different than ID page
   your B-2 visa page
   BOTH sides of the I-94 card



7. Financial documentation: evidence which supports section 8 on your I-20 (personal or family bank statements and/or letter from your academic field describing your assistantship).

Staple all of the items together (keep a copy for your records) and mail by certified mail to the appropriate USCIS address as stated in the I-539 instructions.

NOTE: After your I-20 and new I-94 are returned to you, send or bring a photocopy of the documents to the ISSO.