Change of Status to F-1 Student

If you are in the United States in valid nonimmigrant status for a purpose other than to attend school and wish to change your nonimmigrant status to a student status while remaining in the United States, you must meet the criteria below and submit an application with USCIS to change your status.

In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant status while remaining in the United States if:

• you were lawfully admitted to the United States in a nonimmigrant status;
• your nonimmigrant status remains valid;
• you have not violated the conditions of your status; and
• you have not committed any crimes or engaged in any other actions that would make you ineligible for change of status.

Application

To apply for a change of status please click on this link Aplicar and choose the Change of Status option.

These are the steps you must take for your change of status

1. Apply to and receive acceptance from a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
2. Obtain an initial Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, from the SEVP-certified school. The Designated School Official (DSO) should give change of status in the Issue Reason section of the Form I-20.
3. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee - (fmjfee.com).
4. Contact an immigration lawyer that will help you to file a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS. Any mistake in filling this form can result in a denial of your application.
5. Pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $400. In case your visa is approved and you enroll at PACE for classes, PACE will discount that amount from your tuition fee.