Prospective students are generally encouraged to change to F-1 visa status by applying for a visa stamp outside of the US and entering the US with valid F-1 documentation.
You can also apply for a change to F-1 status without leaving the U.S. if you can prove that you have maintained your current nonimmigrant status and that you qualify for the new status.
NATO Visa Holders have a different process for applications in the U.S. and outside the U.S.
Visa & Immigration Service Advising (VISA) Processing Time: see processing times
Immigration Processing Time: 4-8 months
Application Process Overview
STEP 1: to discuss change of status options and timeline
STEP 2: Submit and financial documentation (required amount is listed on the bottom of the request for new I-20 form)
STEP 3: Once you receive an email that your new I-20 is created, pay based on the instructions received in the email
STEP 4: Leave the US and apply for an F-1 visa status:
- Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, - about completing the . You must: 1) complete the online visa application, and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo -You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the .
- Schedule an Interview - You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the in the country where you live. Click for Appointment Wait times.
STEP 5: Return to US and check-in with VISA
USCIS Processing Time: 4-8 months
Application Process Overview
STEP 1: Email the ¹ÏÉñÍø VISA Office at IntlStu@odu.edu to request change of status information and options.
STEP 2:Ìý³§³Ü²ú³¾¾±³ÙÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýFinancial Documentation that certifies that you have the financial ability to pay for your educational and living expenses.
STEP 3: Once you receive an email that your new I-20 is created, pay .
STEP 4:Â Review all documents in the application packet for submission to USCIS.
STEP 5:Â Mail your application to the proper USCIS mailing address.Â
STEP 6: Please note that you will need to check-in with Visa & Immigration Service Advising to have your record registered upon approval at the start of the semester.
NOTE:Â US Citizenship & Immigration Services must receive your application packet within 30 days of the I-20 issuance date, so do not delay in sending the application.
Application Packet List
- must have the date
- must be signed in blue ink
- should be addressed "To Whom It May Concern:"
- must include your SEVIS U.S. address
- must include your SEVIS ID number
- must explain what your current status is and why you'd like to change to F-1 visa status
- must describe how you will use degree earned at ¹ÏÉñÍø when you return to your home country
Complete the  online, then print and sign it.
Form G-1450 for credit card payment authorization of $455 ($370 filing fee for I-539 and $85 for biometrics services) OR Check for $455 made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" with your SEVIS ID number.
Passport copies:
-
biographical information in passport (usually the page with your photo)
-
your most recent visa stamp
-
if on a different page than the one with your photo, the page showing the expiration date of your passport
Original financial documentation to show you have the funding for your degree (see financial documentation)
OR original I-94 card
I-901 Receipt ($350 ), paid after VISA e-mails you your SEVIS ID number
If you are in a dependent status (e.g. F-2, J-2, H-4, etc.), you will also need to submit copies of the principal's (e.g. F-1, J-1, H-1, etc.) documents:
-
all I-20s/DS-2019s
-
biographical information in passport
-
OR original I-94 card
-
an official, sealed transcript if the principal is a student
-
a copy of marriage certificate
Application Submission & Follow-Up Correspondence
Applicants are responsible for sending their own application to USCIS. We strongly recommend you use a courier service so you can track your package and confirm its delivery. You will get a receipt from USCIS in the mail two to six weeks after your application is received. This document is very important and also has the number you can use to track your application online. Sometimes, USCIS will send an RFE (Request for Evidence) if there are questions about your paperwork or your application; please keep VISA informed of any case updates. It is important to keep a copy of the RFE and everything you submitted with it as part of your important documents.
Upon Approval of Your Change of Status
NEW STUDENTS @ ¹ÏÉñÍø: If your application is approved, USCIS will send you an I-797 Approval Notice with your new I-94 at the bottom. You will then come to check-in with VISA for the semester in which you will begin your program.
CONTINUING STUDENTS @ ¹ÏÉñÍø: If your application is approved, USCIS will send you an I-797 Approval Notice with your new I-94 at the bottom. Please as we must issue you a new I-20 and go over the rights and responsibilities of your new status.
Beginning Academic Classes
Depending on your visa status, you may not begin degree-seeking coursework until VISA has issued your new, post-approval I-20 or you have done the formal check-in process with VISA. This cannot be done after the end of course registration; you must wait until the start of the next semester in May, August or January.
Travel After Your Status Has Changed
The next time you leave the U.S., you will need an F-1 visa stamp in your passport to return. This means you will need to visit a U.S. consulate overseas for an interview. To be sure you have the proper documents, we recommend you read over the Travel Reminders linked from the main page of our site.
Graduate Assistantships After a Change of Status
It may be that your funding is through a graduate assistantship, but please note that you cannot start work until you have your continued attendance I-20 from VISA. You will need to do employment paperwork with VISA before you begin your employment. You may not "volunteer" your services until the approval of your new status.
If Your Approval is Delayed
While the application is in process, it is necessary to wait for the approval before classes can be started. If your application is approved in the middle of a semester, it is necessary to wait for the next available semester. This also means you must wait to begin an assistantship.
It is important that you not allow the program start date on your I-20 to pass while your application is being processed by USCIS. This means that, at least two weeks before the program start date, you must contact International Admissions to (new students ONLY). In addition, VISA will give you a date by which you must e-mail the office to notify us of your application's status; if that date is passed without word from you, your change of status may be denied by USCIS.
Application Process Overview
STEP 1: to discuss change of status options and timeline
STEP 2: Submit and financial documentation (required amount is listed on the bottom of the request for new I-20 form)
STEP 3: Once you receive an email that your new I-20 is created, pay based on the instructions received in the email
STEP 4: Leave the US and apply for an F-1 visa status:
- Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, - about completing the . You must: 1) complete the online visa application, and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo -You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the .
- Schedule an Interview - You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the in the country where you live. Click for Appointment Wait times.
STEP 5: Return to US and check-in with VISA
USCIS Processing Time: 4-8 months
Application Process Overview
STEP 1: Email the ¹ÏÉñÍø VISA Office at IntlStu@odu.edu to request change of status information and options.
STEP 2:Ìý³§³Ü²ú³¾¾±³ÙÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýFinancial Documentation that certifies that you have the financial ability to pay for your educational and living expenses.
STEP 3: Once you receive an email that your new I-20 is created, pay .
STEP 4:Â Review all documents in the application packet for submission to USCIS.
STEP 5:Â Mail your application to the proper USCIS mailing address.Â
STEP 6: Please note that you will need to check-in with Visa & Immigration Service Advising to have your record registered upon approval at the start of the semester.
NOTE:Â US Citizenship & Immigration Services must receive your application packet within 30 days of the I-20 issuance date, so do not delay in sending the application.
Application Packet List
- must have the date
- must be signed in blue ink
- should be addressed "To Whom It May Concern:"
- must include your SEVIS U.S. address
- must include your SEVIS ID number
- must explain what your current status is and why you'd like to change to F-1 visa status
- must describe how you will use degree earned at ¹ÏÉñÍø when you return to your home country
Complete the  online, then print and sign it.
Form G-1450 for credit card payment authorization of $455 ($370 filing fee for I-539 and $85 for biometrics services) OR Check for $455 made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" with your SEVIS ID number.
Passport copies:
-
biographical information in passport (usually the page with your photo)
-
your most recent visa stamp
-
if on a different page than the one with your photo, the page showing the expiration date of your passport
Original financial documentation to show you have the funding for your degree (see financial documentation)
OR original I-94 card
I-901 Receipt ($350 ), paid after VISA e-mails you your SEVIS ID number
If you are in a dependent status (e.g. F-2, J-2, H-4, etc.), you will also need to submit copies of the principal's (e.g. F-1, J-1, H-1, etc.) documents:
-
all I-20s/DS-2019s
-
biographical information in passport
-
OR original I-94 card
-
an official, sealed transcript if the principal is a student
-
a copy of marriage certificate
Application Submission & Follow-Up Correspondence
Applicants are responsible for sending their own application to USCIS. We strongly recommend you use a courier service so you can track your package and confirm its delivery. You will get a receipt from USCIS in the mail two to six weeks after your application is received. This document is very important and also has the number you can use to track your application online. Sometimes, USCIS will send an RFE (Request for Evidence) if there are questions about your paperwork or your application; please keep VISA informed of any case updates. It is important to keep a copy of the RFE and everything you submitted with it as part of your important documents.
Upon Approval of Your Change of Status
NEW STUDENTS @ ¹ÏÉñÍø: If your application is approved, USCIS will send you an I-797 Approval Notice with your new I-94 at the bottom. You will then come to check-in with VISA for the semester in which you will begin your program.
CONTINUING STUDENTS @ ¹ÏÉñÍø: If your application is approved, USCIS will send you an I-797 Approval Notice with your new I-94 at the bottom. Please as we must issue you a new I-20 and go over the rights and responsibilities of your new status.
Beginning Academic Classes
Depending on your visa status, you may not begin degree-seeking coursework until VISA has issued your new, post-approval I-20 or you have done the formal check-in process with VISA. This cannot be done after the end of course registration; you must wait until the start of the next semester in May, August or January.
Travel After Your Status Has Changed
The next time you leave the U.S., you will need an F-1 visa stamp in your passport to return. This means you will need to visit a U.S. consulate overseas for an interview. To be sure you have the proper documents, we recommend you read over the Travel Reminders linked from the main page of our site.
Graduate Assistantships After a Change of Status
It may be that your funding is through a graduate assistantship, but please note that you cannot start work until you have your continued attendance I-20 from VISA. You will need to do employment paperwork with VISA before you begin your employment. You may not "volunteer" your services until the approval of your new status.
If Your Approval is Delayed
While the application is in process, it is necessary to wait for the approval before classes can be started. If your application is approved in the middle of a semester, it is necessary to wait for the next available semester. This also means you must wait to begin an assistantship.
It is important that you not allow the program start date on your I-20 to pass while your application is being processed by USCIS. This means that, at least two weeks before the program start date, you must contact International Admissions to (new students ONLY). In addition, VISA will give you a date by which you must e-mail the office to notify us of your application's status; if that date is passed without word from you, your change of status may be denied by USCIS.