Contact International Student and Scholar Services
Additional information
- ISSS Front desk
8am–5pm Arizona time
- Non-medical emergency line 24/7
- Outside the US and Canada
Change of status to F-1
How to request a change of status
When entering the United States, a person declares the purpose of their visit and are admitted based on the visa they hold. This purpose could be something like leisure, work, or study. If a person’s intentions in the United States change, or they become ineligible for their current immigration status and they wish to become a full-time student, a change of status may be needed.
There are two ways to change to F-1 status and all students requesting a change of status should meet with an ISSS Advisor.
Option 1: travel & reentry
Students who wish to change their status to F-1 have the option to obtain an I-20 from ISSS, depart the United States, apply for an F-1 visa at a United States embassy or consulate abroad, and reenter the United States in F-1 status. This process is typically faster than applying for a change of status within the United States, however, there are possible disadvantages such as potential visa delays, and the additional cost of traveling abroad.
Step 1: Applying for an I-20 for travel and reentry Accordion Closed
To apply for an I-20 for travel and reentry, you will need the following documents:
- Letter from academic advisor (for continuing students only)
This letter is required to confirm a student’s eligibility to continue studies and confirm the number of credits required to complete their studies. This letter must be an original document prepared on NAU letterhead and contain all of the following information:
- Name and student ID number
- Degree level and major
- Confirmation that student is eligible to continue studies in the semester they would like to attend as an F1 student
- Date student began program of studies
- Number of credits completed
- Number of credits remaining and any other remaining requirements (i.e. if a student is writing a thesis or dissertation – date when the thesis or dissertation will be turned in/defended)
- Expected date of graduation – specific end date must be indicated
- Financial support documents
Original financial documents, no more than six months old, showing proof of financial support are required to cover the program costs as indicated in the Financial Sponsor Letter form for a student and any dependents. Financial documents should be in the form of a bank letter or account statement on official letterhead showing that sufficient funds are available.
If funding is not personal, in addition to a financial statement, the Financial Sponsor Form must be completed. This form confirms that your sponsor (who may be a parent, friend, family member, etc.) will provide sufficient funds to cover expenses.
- Copies of current immigration documents for student and any dependents
- Passport
- Visa
- I-94
- A permanent address abroad
Step 3: Apply for visa Accordion Closed
Apply for a visa at a US embassy/consulate abroad.
Option 2: Change of status within the United States
Non-immigrants in the United States, who are maintaining their current immigration status, may be eligible to request a change from their current immigration status to F-1 student status with USCIS. To do so, a student must have an original I-20. Requests for a new I-20 to apply for a change of status can be submitted to International Student and Scholar Services and a new I-20 will be created according to normal processing times. The new I-20 can be used to apply for a change of status within the United States.
Step 1: To apply for an I-20 you will need the following documents Accordion Closed
- Letter from academic advisor (for continuing students only)
This letter is required to confirm a student’s eligibility to continue studies and confirm the number of credits required to complete their studies. This letter must be an original document prepared on NAU letterhead and contain all of the following information:
- Name and student ID number
- Degree level and major
- Confirmation that student is eligible to continue studies in the semester they would like to attend as an F-1 student
- Date student began program of studies
- Number of credits completed
- Number of credits remaining and any other remaining requirements (i.e. if a student is writing a thesis or dissertation – date when the thesis or dissertation will be turned in/defended)
- Expected date of graduation – specific end date must be indicated
- Financial support documents
Original financial documents, no more than six months old, showing proof of financial support are required to cover the program costs as indicated in the Financial Sponsor Form for a student and any dependents. Financial documents should be in the form of a bank letter or account statement on official letterhead showing that sufficient funds are available.
If funding is not personal, in addition to a financial statement, the Financial Sponsor Form must be completed. This form confirms that your sponsor (who may be a parent, friend, family member, etc.) will provide sufficient funds to cover expenses.
- Copies of current immigration documents for student and any dependents
- Passport
- Visa
- I-94
- A permanent address abroad
Step 2: Pay fee Accordion Closed
Pay SEVIS I-901 fee.
Step 3: Apply for change of status with USCIS Accordion Closed
Once an I-20 is received, it is submitted to USCIS along with all other required paperwork to request a change of status. If additional information is needed, an appointment can be made with an ISSS Advisor.