Change of Status

This procedure takes approximately 3-4 months. The process cannot be expedited; however, you may stay in the U.S. to await the results. A few weeks after you mail your application to change status, you can expect to receive a “Notice of Action” document (acknowledgment of receipt). With the receipt number, you can track your “case status” at www.uscis.gov.

The status change to F-1 or J-1 must be approved prior to enrolling in classes. If your change of status has not been received in time to begin school on the date indicated on the I-20 or DS-2019, contact your admissions officer and have it deferred until the next semester.

You will submit all documents to USCIS:

• Form I-539
• Pay the SEVIS Fee: (changes to F-1 or J-1 only)
• Print out of electronic receipt
• Filing fee, Check/Money Order made payable to ‘U.S. Department of Homeland Security’
• Letter explaining why you want to change your status
• Photocopies of passport ID page for:
  • You
  • Your Spouse/Dependent child (if applicable)
• Photocopies of visa page for:
  • You
  • Your Spouse/Dependent child (if applicable)
• Copy of I-94 for:
  • You
  • Your Spouse/Dependent child (if applicable)
• Photocopy of all relevant immigration forms (I-20/DS-2019/I797) for:
  • You
  • Your Spouse/Dependent child (if applicable)
• Copy of Marriage Certificate/Birth Certificate with official Translation (for changes to F-2, J-2, or H-4 status only)
• Admission Letter from Middle Tennessee State University (for changes to F-1 only)
• Proof of Financial Support (for change to the F or J categories only)

Once you have all of your documents, you may make an appointment with an admission analyst to look over your package before sending them to USCIS.