If you are academically admitted to LSU and are in the United States in a non-immigrant status that is not F-1 student, you may have the ability to change your status while within the United States. There are two ways to obtain a new non-immigrant status:
- Applying for a change of status while remaining in the U.S.
- Leaving the U.S., applying for a new visa, and re-entering the U.S. in the new status.
Both methods of changing status have associated advantages and risks, including immigration intent issues, timing, and financial considerations. Depending on the details of your situation, International Student Services (ISS) may advise that one of these options is preferable.
Please note: The ability to change status may not apply to people with C, D, or J visa status subject to two year home residency; with K visa status; or on the visa waiver program.
Option Comparison
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Change of Status while in the U.S.
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Leave U.S. to apply for F-1 visa
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Government Agency involved |
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
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U.S. Department of State (USDOS)
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Cost |
USCIS filing fee + SEVIS I-901 fee
Applicant can choose to pay an additional fee for Premium Processing.
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Plane ticket and other costs associated with international travel + Visa application fees + SEVIS I-901 fee
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Process |
Complete and submit an I-539 Form to USCIS after receiving an F-1 I-20.
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Schedule an appointment a U.S. Embassy or Consulate after receiving an F-1 I-20.
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Timeline |
Processing times for COS applications may vary. Currently, the average is 3-6 months (sometimes longer).
USCIS is required to provide a response to applicants within 30 calendar days if the applicant pays for Premium Processing. (A response may not necessarily be an approval; the response may be a request for additional information.)
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Applying for a visa is usually faster than applying for a COS in the U.S. Check the specific embassy/consulate website for updated information.
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Notes |
- Applicants must maintain their status to within 30 days of the program start date on their F-1 I-20. If the applicant is in a dependent status, the primary spouse/parent needs to maintain their status too.
- This process does not change/provide a U.S. visa stamp. If you travel outside the U.S., you will need to apply for a new visa stamp that reflects your new status.
- Certain non-immigrant statuses do not allow class registration or work authorization until the new status is granted by USCIS. Such applicants should not register/attend classes or start assistantship duties until the F-1 status would be approved.
- J-1 visa holders who are subject to the two year home residency requirement are not eligible to change their status within the U.S. unless they have been granted a waiver.
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- An F-1 student may be admitted to the United States for a period up to 30 days before the program start date indicated listed on their F-1 I-20.
- While you may be authorized to apply for a U.S. visa at certain U.S. Consular posts in Canada and Mexico, the U.S. Department of State recommends that you apply for a new visa in your home country. Before travelling to a country other than your home country to apply for an F-1 visa, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that country.
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Additional Resources
Leaving the U.S. to apply for F-1 visa
Applying for change of status while in the U.S.
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Checklist, Required Initial Evidence for Form I-539. In addition to USCIS' checklist items, ISS recommends you gather the following to include with your I-539:
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I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
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LSU admission letter
- Biographical page of passport
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Form I-539, Change of Status application
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Form I-907, request for Premium Processing Service