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Change of Status

Change of Status (COS) to F-1

Prospective students who are on another non-immigrant status may generally petition for a change of status to an F-1 status while in the United States. However, restrictions may apply, and they vary by each case. This can be a time-consuming process as USCIS processing times are unpredictable. During the period of status change, students must have access to a valid mailing address to receive mail from USCIS.

In order to change their status to F-1 status, prospective students need to submit a change of status application to USCIS. Prospective students are eligible for a change of status if they meet the following criteria:

  • Have been lawfully admitted to the United States;
  • Have valid nonimmigrant status;
  • Have not exceeded their stay, or in authorized period of stay;
  • Have not violated regulations or engaged in any kind of illegal activity.

In the case that a prospective student’s authorized period of stay will expire before applying for a change of status, they can apply for an extension of authorized stay with USCIS.

Prior to applying for a change of status, prospective students must do the following:

  • Apply to a SEVP certified school;
  • Obtain admission from the SEVP certified institution (CGU is an approved school);
  • Meet with a Designated School Official (DSO); and
  • Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and obtain an initial I-20 from CGU.

After obtaining the initial I-20, follow these steps:

Some individuals are eligible to file online. Please check USCIS’s website for eligibility. A change of status can be an overwhelming process. If you are a prospective or current student at CGU who is in need of help with your change of status, contact the SLDL office and schedule an advising appointment through Calendly.

Change of Status from F-1 to F-2
There are many cases in which F-1 students would like to change their status to F-2 such as graduation and withdrawing from their program of study. An F-1 student is eligible for a change of status from F-1 to F-2 if they are a dependent (spouse or child) to a person on another F-1 visa. To start the process, F-1 students changing their status to F-2 must ensure that their F-1 spouse or parent is on active status. CGU students in F-1 status wishing to add a dependent via a change of status should refer to the section on Dependents.
Change of Status from B-2 to F-1
Visitors currently on a B-2 visa who wish to be enrolled in a full-time program of study must change their B-2 status to F-1 status. Until approved for an F-1 visa, visitors on a B-2 visa are not allowed to enroll in an academic degree program. Changing the status for B-2 to F-1 can be done in two ways:

  • Apply for a change of status while in the United States (review application process above). B-2 visitors must remain in active B-2 status at the time of the application submission. This process may be less expensive; however, it generally takes 6-12 months to process.

Or

  • Depart the United States as B-2 visitor and apply for an F-1 visa through a U.S consulate/embassy in their home country. This process might be more expensive; however, it generally takes less time.
Change of Status from F-2 to F-1
Dependents currently on an F-2 visa who wish to be enrolled in a full-time program of study must change their F-2 status to F-1 status. This could be done in two ways:

  • Apply for a change of status while in the United States (review application process above). Dependents have to make sure that their spouse or parent are on active F-1 status at the time of the application submission. This process may be less expensive; however, it generally takes 6-12 months to process.

Or

  • Depart the United States as F-2 dependent and apply for an F-1 visa through a U.S consulate/embassy in their home country. This process might be more expensive; however, it generally takes less time.
Change of Status from J-2 to F-1
Dependents currently on a J-2 visa who wish to be enrolled in a full-time program of study may change their J-2 status to F-1 status. This could be done in two ways:

  • Apply for a change of status while in the United States (review application process above). Dependents have to make sure that their spouse or parent are on active J-1 status at the time of the application submission. This process may be less expensive; however, it generally takes 6-12 months to process.

Or

  • Depart the United States as J-2 dependent and apply for an F-1 visa through a U.S consulate/embassy in their home country. This process might be more expensive; however, it generally takes less time.
Minor Children Turning 21
Children of F-1 visa holders who turn 21 must either apply for a change of status to another nonimmigrant visa or depart the United States upon turning 21. In case a child of an F-1 visa holder turns 21, and they wish to remain in the United States for school, they must apply for a change of status from F-2 to F-1.