Responsibilities When Changing Status
From F-1/J-1 to Other Status
If you were F-1/J-1 and have changed to another status, such as H-1B or Permanent Resident, you must submit proof of your new status in iGlobal, so we can properly complete/terminate your F-1/J-1 record.
From Other Status to F-1/J-1, Including Between F-1 and J-1 Status
If you are a UCSC student currently in another status and plan to become an F-1/J-1 student because you are expiring out of your current status, or for any other reason, please make an appointment to discuss the process and obtain the necessary I-20 or DS-2019. Please refer to the “Ways to Change to F-1 or J-1” information below.
ISSP International Student Miscellaneous Fee
Global Engagement will charge a quarterly $100 international student fee starting the quarter your F-1 or J-1 visa status is approved.
This non-refundable fee helps support the services we provide in ISSP, including international student advising (including immigration advising), and programming to help with all aspects of life at UCSC. With this fee, we maintain and improve our services to better serve the international student community.
Ways to Change to F-1 or J-1
Option 1: Travel outside the U.S. and re-enter with new visa:
- Request a UCSC I-20 or DS-2019 from ISSP
- Travel outside the U.S. (traveling to your home country recommended, if possible)
- Apply for a F-1 or J-1 visa at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Once approved, enter the U.S. with the F-1/J-1 visa and other supporting documents
Option 2: Apply to USCIS and remain in the U.S.:
- Request a UCSC I-20 or DS-2019 for “Change of Status”
- Complete and file Form I-539 with USCIS
- If your change of status is approved, an I-797A verifying your new status will be sent to you. A new I-94 showing “F-1 D/S” or “J-1 D/S” will be attached.
- You will not receive a visa in your passport.
- It is okay to remain in the U.S. without that visa, since your I-94 verifies your new status.
Considerations:
Travel & Reentry | Application to USCIS | |
Cost | – Travel costs– I-901 SEVIS fee– Visa application fee | – I-901 SEVIS fee– Form I-539 application fee |
Timeline | 1 – 2 months, depending on home country. | Please refer to processing times. Your current status must not expire more than 30 days before the I-20 or DS-2019 start date.Please note that Premium Processing is an option. |
Travel In & Out of the U.S. | – Cannot apply for visa within U.S.– Cannot re-enter U.S. until 30 days before I-20 or DS-2019 start date.– May allow more flexible international travel during program dates | – Must remain in the U.S.– If you ever travel outside U.S., must apply for F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate to return in F-1 or J-1 status. |
When can I begin studying at UCSC? | After you have re-entered the U.S. on your new visa in your new F-1 or J-1 status. | Only once COS approved by USCIS, unless you are changing from a status that allows school attendance (e.g. H-4, E-2). If you file for F-1 or J-1 before your former status expires, and your former status allows school attendance, you may continue enrollment at UCSC while your I-539 is pending. |
When can I work on-campus (TA, GSR, etc.) or do practical training (CPT, AT, etc.)? | – Can work on-campus once you have been registered by ISSP, and if J-1, with ISSP permission required.– Cannot request CPT/OPT until you have held F-1 for 3 quarters. | – Cannot work on-campus until COS approved unless you have an existing work authorization ( EAD, etc).– Cannot request CPT/OPT until you have held F-1 for 3 quarters. Typically, quarters attended in previous status do count toward 3 quarters. |
Special Circumstances:
- If you are B-1/B-2, you may not enroll in classes until your COS is approved.
- If you are F-2, you can only enroll part-time until your COS is approved.
- If you are J-1 or J-2 and subject to Section 212(e) and have not received a waiver, you must do Travel & Reentry.
- If you are here under the Visa Waiver Program or in C, D, or K status, you must do Travel & Reentry.
- If you or your principal (if changing from a dependent status) have filed for Permanent Residence, consult an immigration attorney to discuss your situation before pursuing a change of status or traveling for the visa.
How to Apply to USCIS
1. Complete USCIS Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
- Use the File Online option, if you meet the conditions.
- If you do not meet the conditions for filing online, use the paper application: download a blank form from uscis.gov. Under Forms, select I-539*. Type or print legibly in black ink.
- Optional: Also complete USCIS Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance. You will receive an email notification or text message when your I-539 has been received by USCIS for processing.
*Students with Dependents
You can include your spouse and unmarried children less than 21 years of age as co-applicants on your I-539, but only if you are all now in the same status or they are all in derivative status. If a child is less than 14 years of age, the parent or legal guardian may sign the application on their behalf.
2. Documents to provide with I-539 :
- Detailed cover letter requesting and explaining the need to change status. Mention your program start date.
- Original I-94 in the form of a white paper card or electronic I-94 (i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
- Photocopy of UCSC I-20 or DS-2019. Make sure you have signed the bottom of page 1 beforehand.
- Photocopy of I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. Go to www.fmjfee.com to pay the fee and/or print receipt.
- Photocopies of financial documentation verifying liquid funds you can use for tuition/living expenses, similar to what you used to request I-20 or DS-2019 (bank statement, scholarship, UCSC award letter, etc.).
- Photocopies of your current immigration documents:
- Passport identification page(s)
- Current visa stamp
- Current I-20 or DS-2019, if going from F-2 -> F-1/J-1; J-2 -> J-1/F-1; F-1 -> J-1; or J-1 -> F-1
- H-1B approval notice and employment verification letter, if switching from H-1B -> F-1/J-1
- Principal visa holder’s immigration documents, if switching from any dependent status (e.g. H-4, F-2)
- Photocopies of marriage license and/or birth certificates (for children), if applicable.
3. Submission and Payment
- If filling online, pay the fee using a credit card, debit card, or U.S. bank withdrawal
- If using paper application:
- Make a copy of the entire signed application for your personal records.
- Visit the USCIS website for current mailing addresses. Include a check or money order from a U.S. bank, payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”