International Student Services

Changing to F-1 Student Status

If you are currently in the United States under a different non-immigrant status and wish to change your status to F-1 student, there are specific steps and important considerations to be aware of.

Please carefully follow the instructions below to initiate your Change of Status (COS) to F-1, and take note of the visa statuses that do not allow for study in the U.S.

Who Can Apply for a Change of Status to F-1?

You may be eligible to apply for a Change of Status (COS) to F-1 if:

  • You are not in a status that prohibits a change of status
  • You have been admitted to a full-time academic program at Saint Peter’s University
  • You have sufficient time left in your current status to remain legally in the U.S. until you file your application for a change of status

Not Eligible to Change Status to F-1

Not all non-immigrant visa holders are eligible to change to F-1 status. Before proceeding, please review the following information about statuses that do and do not allow study in the U.S. You are not eligible for a change of status if:

  • You are currently in the U.S. under the ‘visa waiver’ program: If you entered the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, which allows certain nationals to visit the U.S. for tourism or business purposes without a visa, you are typically not eligible to change your status to F-1. The VWP does not permit a change of status while in the United States.
  • You are currently in the U.S. as a J-1 exchange visitor (or J-2 dependent) subject to Section 212e of the INA, i.e., the ‘two-year home residency requirement’: If you are a J-1 exchange visitor subject to the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement, you cannot change your status to F-1 unless you have obtained a waiver of the requirement or fulfilled it by returning to your home country for the required two years.
  • You are currently in the U.S. in M-1 status: (vocational student) visa, you are generally not eligible to change your status to F-1. These visa categories have specific restrictions that prevent a change

You are currently in the U.S. but in violation of your current immigration status.

Immigration Statuses That DO NOT Allow Study

Steps to Apply for a Change of Status to F-1

Important Considerations

Travel: If you leave the U.S. while your I-539 application is pending with USCIS, your application will be considered abandoned. If you plan to travel, it is generally advised to change your status through travel and reentry

Visas: Applying in the U.S. only leads to a change of status. It does not mean that you have been issued a visa. If you decide to travel outside the U.S. after your application has been approved, you will need to visit the U.S. consulate abroad and apply for an F-1 visa in order to return to the U.S. in F-1 status.

Processing Time: USCIS processing times for Change of Status applications can vary widely, ranging from several months to over a year. It is imperative that you contact the Center for Global Learning if your Change of Status application is not approved by the program start date on your I-20. Failure to inform us would result in the automatic cancelation of your SEVIS record by SEVP and denial of your application. Be sure to apply well in advance of your program start date. If time is a concern, the travel and reentry option may be faster.

Things to Remember

  • Notify the CGL immediately upon adjudication of your application so that we can make your SEVIS record Active. Failure to do so will result in the automatic termination of your SEVIS record.
  • Notify the CGL immediately if your application is not approved by the program start date indicated on your I-20. If your application for change of status is not approved by the program start date, you must ask that the CGL defer the start date of your program to the next available trimester. Failure to defer the program start date will cause your SEVIS record to be automatically “Completed” by SEVP.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about the Change of Status process, please reach out to the Center for Global Learning at iss@saintpeters.edu or make an appointment with an International Student Advisor.

We look forward to welcoming you as an F-1 student at Saint Peter’s University and supporting you on your academic journey!

Contact Us

Center for Global Learning (CGL)
Address: 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Lee House
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201-761-7190 Email: iss@saintperters.edu
Appointment Links:  https://bit.ly/CGLappt  OR  https://bit.ly/CGLappt2
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
*The CGL is closed on weekends and most national holidays.*