Change of Status to F-1

ACC students in the US with a valid non F-1 visa may be eligible to apply for a change of status to F-1.

Change of Status requests are handled on a case by case basis. You can request a Change of Status at the time of application or anytime during your enrollment at ACC. There are two ways to change your immigration status:

1. In-Country Change of Status with USCIS. Receive a Form I-20 with form issue reason “Change of Status” and apply for the change of status in the US with USCIS using the Form I-539.
   • USCIS Processing Times can vary. Students are encouraged to apply for a Change of Status I-20 at least 6 months before their current immigration status expires.
   • Students in an eligible immigration status that permits academic study may continue being enrolled while the change of status petition is being adjudicated by USCIS.
   • Students on the B-1/B-2 visa are not eligible for academic study until after the F-1 status is approved by USCIS.
   • ISO will defer your I-20 Program Start Date if USCIS has not adjudicated your change of status petition.
2. Travel and Reentry. Receive a Form I-20 with form issue reason “Initial” and apply for an F-1 visa at a United States embassy outside the US.
   • Visit the Department of State website for more information on applying for a student visa.
   • If you do not apply for an F-1 visa outside the US by the I-20 Program Start Date your I-20 and SEVIS record will be cancelled.

NOTICE: DO NOT file the Change of Status request with USCIS until after you have received the Change of Status I-20 from our office. If you do so, your request will be denied.

How to Change Visa Status to F-1 in the United States

You may apply to change your status in the United States if you:

• Were lawfully admitted into the United States as a nonimmigrant.
• You have not committed any act that would make you ineligible to receive an immigration benefit.
• There is no other factor that requires you to depart the United States prior to making a reentry based on a different classification (for example, a USCIS officer may determine that you should obtain a new visa prior to being readmitted into the United States).
• You submit an application for a change of status by mail or you can file online with USCIS for a change of status before the expiration date as shown on your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record.
• Your passport must be valid for your entire requested period of stay in the new nonimmigrant classification in the United States.

You may not apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were admitted to the United States in the following categories:

• Visa Waiver Program (WT or WB)
• Crew member (D visa)
• In transit through the United States (C visa)
• Fiancé of a U.S. citizen or dependent of a fiancé (K visas)
• Informant (and accompanying family) on terrorism or organized crime (S visa)
• J-1 Exchange Visitor subject to the 2-year foreign residence requirement 212(e) cannot change status, with certain exceptions

For more information on the Change of Status process to F-1 visit these website:

• Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status
• Change My Nonimmigrant Status
• Study in the States Change of Status
• B-1/B-2 Visitors Who Want to Enroll in School

Access the Change of Status Request Form on the International Student Forms website.