Change of Status to F-1

This document will explain the change-of-status process from your current immigration status to F-1 student status. Please keep in mind that the change-of-status application and supplemental materials must be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the expiration of your current status. Changing to F-1 student status will allow you to receive, once eligible, certain immigration benefits such as on-campus employment authorization, curricular practical training, optional practical training, and immigration transfer to another U.S. college or university authorized to admit international students.

You'll need to submit to our office the following documents:

  1. Form I-539. The form can be downloaded from this Internet address:
    Complete all pertinent sections on the front and answer all questions according to the instructions given on the application. If you're uncertain about how to answer a question, please feel free to contact me. You must answer the questions regarding financial support (irregardless of your answer) in the appropriate space provided on the last page of the application.
  2. Cover letter . The applicant must also write a letter explaining to USCIS why you desire a change of status from your current status to F-1 student. The letter must convince USCIS that you will return to your home country after you complete your academic program and graduate with your degree. Many students have written that they want to obtain an American education, so that they can return to improve the economy and overall well-being of their country.
  3. Original financial documents . Current financial documentation must be presented demonstrating you have sufficient financial resources to underwrite both your educational and living expenses while studying in the United States. The financial documentation must be in English and any amounts shown must be indicated in US dollars. Should the account not be in your name, you must also present an original letter signed by the account holder that describes (1) their relationship to the applicant and (2) their intent to support the applicant with all expenses while in the United States.
  4. Application Fee . The application must be accompanied by a check or money order in the amount of $195.00 made payable to USCIS. This is a processing fee and your application will not be considered if the fee is missing. Submission of the fee and submitting the application is not in itself a guarantee that your change-of-status request will be approved.
  5. SEVIS I-20 . Once you present documents showing a satisfactory level of financial support, you will be issued a SEVIS I-20. This document will need to be signed and the original will be included with your change-of-status application. SEVIS, or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is the on-line tracking system that all information on international students and all requests for I-20 documents must be submitted to SEVIS.
  6. Supporting Materials . We will need photocopies of the following: passport ID page(s) that contain name, picture, signature, and passport expiration date; current US entry visa; I-94 card; and any other immigration documents attesting to your current immigration status. Additional information may be needed depending upon what immigration status you currently possess. Our office will contact you should this be the case.

Once your application is complete and in order, it will be forwarded to the USCIS Service Center in Nebraska for adjudication. In review, you will need to submit the following documents to our office at your earliest possible convenience:

Please keep in mind that our office cannot assist you with the change-of-status process unless we have received confirmation from the Office of Admissions or the individual graduate department that you have been admitted as a student to the University of Indianapolis. We must have evidence on file that you have been admitted to the University and have sufficient financial resources on hand before an I-20 document can be issued.

If you have any questions, please contact the International Student Advisor.