Change of Status
An individual may change status by:
- exiting the US and applying for a new visa and making a new entry or
- applying to change status within the U.S.
Applicants for change of nonimmigrant status are encouraged to meet with an OISS adviser to review the application procedure and check documents prior to submitting the application for change of status
When to Apply
If you are in one nonimmigrant classification and wish to change to another classification (i.e. F-2 to F-1), you must apply to US Citizenship & Immigration Services for a change of status prior to expiration of your previous status.
Eligibility:
In order to change status, you must:
- Have been maintaining your current non-immigrant status.
- Have a valid passport
Procedures
- Obtain evidence of your eligibility for the new status (SEVIS I-20/DS-2019);
- Completed form I-539 (form I-539 can be downloaded at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-539.pdf;
- Financial verification (e.g. bank statement, assistantship offer letter, etc.)
- Letter requesting change of status and explaining why the change is needed. Include the reason you did not enter the U.S. in desired status from the start, if applicable.
- Copy of valid passport with visa;
- I-94 form (front and back), be sure to photocopy this card to keep with your records.
- $300 check or money order (payable to USCIS);
- If on dependent visa, provide a copy of principal's documents (e.g. passport, visa, I-94 and I-20ID/DS-2019)
- Copy of marriage certificate, if applicable.
- I-94s of any dependents who will be changing status with you.
- Copy of SEVIS fee receipt (see SEVIS 901 Fee) www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm
See I-539 instructions for mailing address
Check Status of Application
USCIS maintains a website where you can check the status of your application. Please visit Case Status Search Page at: https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp to check the status of your application.
Notification of Change of Status Approval
If you change your status while at WSU (i.e. from F-1 to H-1B or permanent resident), you must notify OISS with appropriate documentation (e.g. approval notice, stamped I-20/DS-2019)
If you are employed at WSU when a change of status occurs, you must notify Payroll Services, and the hiring department (i.e. from F-1 to H-1B, etc. or to that of a permanent resident or immigrant). Notification is necessary so that WSU’s records are current and consistent. Nonimmigrants can incur significant tax liability if their tax withholding is not consistent with their immigration status.
Page Updated: December 6, 2007
