Changing to F-1 Student Status

Full-time international students should enroll in student status. You can obtain student status in one of two ways:

1. Entering the United States with an F-1 Visa
   Students outside the U.S. may use a I-20 issued by Boston University to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Consular post and enter the U.S. in F-1 student status. Note: Canadian citizens are generally exempt from the visa requirement and acquire student status by travelling with the I-20 and requesting F-1 status upon entry to the U.S.
2. Applying for a Change of Status within the United States
   Students who are already in the U.S. in another valid nonimmigrant category may request a change to F-1 status from USCIS by filing an I-539 application, application fee, and supporting documents. Applications to change status can be complex, and the ISSO recommends consulting with an experienced immigration attorney before filing.

Considerations

• BU students who are considering a change of status should speak with an ISSO advisor before submitting any application materials. Careful preparation and open communication with the ISSO are essential for a successful outcome.
• If you are in the U.S. and want to apply for a change of status, your I-20 must specifically indicate that it is being issued for a “change of status,” rather than for initial F-1 entry. USCIS processing times can be lengthy, and applications may receive requests for additional evidence or denials.
• ISSO advisors can help you understand timelines, eligibility, and documentation requirements. However, change of status applications are submitted by the applicant to USCIS so it is important you seek counsel from an experienced immigration attorney.
• If you have a shortened timeline or urgent requirements, you may consider adding Premium Processing to your USCIS I-539 application. Your advisor and immigration attorney can help you assess this.
• Depending on your current immigration category, you may not be eligible to begin classes while the application is pending.
• On-campus employment, assistantships, and other forms of F-1 employment authorization cannot begin until after USCIS formally approves the F-1 status request, unless your current status provides alternative work authorization.

Suggested Documents in Support of a Change of Status Application

Applicants should prepare the following materials:

1. • Change of Status I-20 issued by Boston University
   • Proof of SEVIS fee payment
   • BU Acceptance Letter
   • Proof of funding for tuition and living expenses
   • Copies of all current immigration documents and proof of valid status
   • Personal statement clarifying

1. • • how you have maintained your current status
     • why you are seeking to change status to F-1
     • how you will pay for your program
     • your nonimmigrant intent
     • why you are seeking to change from inside the U.S.

1. • If you are applying for any dependents, they must also be included in your I-539 application, and you must submit additional documentation including their immigration documents and additional proof of funding.
   • Other supplemental documents to support your current situation as required by USCIS or recommended by your immigration attorney.

Submitting the Application

USCIS accepts Form I-539 applications either online or by mail. We generally recommend online filing because it allows applicants to:

• pay fees electronically
• upload supporting documents
• respond more quickly to USCIS requests
• update addresses online
• receive notifications and decisions faster

Students who prefer paper filing should follow USCIS instructions. Students are strongly encouraged to keep complete copies of all application materials for their personal records.

Please note that departing the United States while a change of status application is pending is considered abandonment of the request. Students who later decide to travel internationally should notify ISSO in advance in order for updated immigration documents to be issued for visa processing abroad.

Delays and Updated I-20

If USCIS has not adjudicated the application by the original program start date listed on the I-20, Boston University may need to issue a revised I-20 with a later start date. In some cases, students may receive multiple updated I-20s while the application remains pending. Applicants must contact the ISSO prior to the listed program start date if the application is still pending and provide a receipt notice from USCIS.

Travel After Approval

Students who obtain F-1 classification through a change of status inside the United States receive F-1 status only, not an F-1 entry visa stamp in their passport. Therefore, students must apply for an F-1 entry visa at a U.S. consulate before reentering the United States in F-1 status to resume studies.

Changing to J-1 Student Status

Changing to J-1 status is very similar to the procedure for changing to F-1 status with a couple of very important differences. An application to change to J-1 status requires:

• DS-2019 issued by Boston University
• documentation showing participation in a J-1 eligible program
• proof of required health insurance coverage
• documentation showing that more than 50% of the student’s funding comes from eligible J-1 sources such as the student’s home government or from the institution.

Applicants seeking a change to J-1 status should familiarize themselves with the two-year home residency rule under INA 212(e), which does not apply to F-1 students. If subject to 212(e), a J-1 student would be required to return to their home country, or country of last permanent residence, for 24 months before they would be eligible for an H-1, L-1 or immigrant visa.