Change of Visa Status PDF Print E-mail

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.

Required Documentation and Fees

1. Form I-539

2. $300 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

4. 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 UO or the school you plan to attend.

  • 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:

USCIS California Service Center
P.O. Box 10539, Attn: Change of Status
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1053

 

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.

 

 

 
Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 09:49