CHANGE OF STATUS

Suppose you are in the United States in a valid non-immigrant status for a purpose other than to attend school and wish to change your non-immigrant status to a student status while remaining in the United States. In that case, you must meet the criteria below and apply with USCIS to change your status.

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

You were lawfully admitted to the United States in a non-immigrant status
Your nonimmigrant status remains valid
You have not violated the conditions of your status
You have not committed any crimes or engaged in any other actions that would make you ineligible for a change of status
At least 90 days have passed since you entered the United States

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

Apply for change of status at paceacademy.edu and receive acceptance from PACE International Academy and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Pay $100

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 a change of status in the Issue Reason section of the Form I-20.

Pay the $350 I-901 SEVIS Fee.

Contact an immigration lawyer who will help you file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS. Any error in completing this form may result in the denial of your application. The filing fee is $420 if submitted online, or $470 plus shipping if submitted on paper.

Pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $400. If your visa is approved and you enroll in classes at PACE, PACE will deduct that amount from your tuition fee.