Changing your non-immigrant visa status while remaining in the U.S. can involve complicated immigration procedures. Because a change of visa status application requires timely filing and close monitoring to ensure maintenance of status, it will be necessary to stay in close contact with an International Student Advisor throughout your application process. You can schedule an appointment to meet with an international student advisor in the Office of International Affairs, 333 Oregon Hall, by calling 541-346-3206.

Required Documentation and Fees

1. Form I-539

2. $290 fee, payable by personal check or money order to the Department of Homeland Security. Do not mail cash.

3. Proof of payment of SEVIS Fee (check with an international student advisor to determine if I-901 SEVIS fee is required for your change of status application.)

4. "Change of Status" I-20 or DS-2019 (no photocopies)

• If you are changing to F-1 status, you will need to include a Form I-20 that is issued by the Office of International Affairs. Download the New Initial I-20 Request Form.

• If you are changing to J-1 status, include a Form DS-2019 issued by the UO or appropriate program sponsor.

• If you are changing to F-2 or J-2 status, you will need to include a copy of your spouse's Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.

5. Original Form I-94 (Departure Record.) If your Dependents are also changing their visa status, be sure to include their original I-94 cards.

6. Photocopies of your visa stamp, passport ID pages, and any other current immigration status documents (and your dependents if they are also changing status).

7. Written documentation about your source and amount of financial support. This can be in the form of photocopies of bank statements, letters from sponsors or other certificates proving you have sufficient financial support to meet all your anticipated expenses.

8. Cover letter to USCIS explaining your reasons for the change of status and to explain how long you intend to stay in the U.S. in your new non-immigrant status.

Send all the above materials to:

For U.S. Postal Service:

USCIS

P.O. Box 660166

Dallas, TX 75266

For Express mail and courier deliveries:

USCIS

Attn: I-539

2501 S. State Highway 121 Business

Suite 400

Lewisville, TX 75067

Some Important Reminders

Keep photocopies of all materials you send to USCIS. These copies provide you with a record of your transactions with them.

You must keep the International Student & Scholar Services office up-to-date with any USCIS notification you receive.

USCIS is currently taking 3-4 months to respond to applications for change of visa status. All correspondence will be mailed to the address that you list on the Form I-539.

If you have additional questions about the change of status process, see an International Student Advisor in International Affairs.