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NOTE: You must pay the SEVIS fee if you are already in the United States prior to submitting a change of non-immigrant status application to F-1 or J-1. You will find information about paying the SEVIS fee at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm
| Change from Visitor Status to F-1 Status |
Visitors on B visas cannot apply for a change of status unless their I-94 has the notation "Prospective Student". If this notation is present, the following materials must be submitted to USCIS:
- Fee of $290: check or money order made payable
to Department of Homeland Security; admission number (number on I-94 and I-20), name
(if not already printed on check), and the type of application
should be written on the check or money order.
- A receipt showing that you have paid the “SEVIS fee.” You can print out the receipt when you pay the fee on line at: www.FMJfee.com.
- Letter from applicant requesting the change of status. In this letter applicant must explain why he or she did not enter the US on an F-1 visa. Changing from the B status to F-1 student status is much more difficult, if the application is made in less than four months after arrival in the US.
- Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This form is available in our office. An International Program Coordinator will help applicants with questions they don't understand. It is important to fill out both sides of the form and answer questions in Part 4 item 3 on a separate page when necessary, and complete the mailing label).
- Form I-20 (pages 1-4); Applicants should read page 2; and be sure to sign on line 11 on pages 1 and 3.
- Financial documentation. This documentation should support section 8 on your I-20 (letter from academic field for an assistantship, a personal or family bank statement, etc.).
- Photocopy of both sides of Form I-94 (and I-94s of any accompanying dependents if included in application).
- Photocopies of four pages of your passport: biographical data page, page with applicant’s photo, page showing passport expiration date, and page with the B visa stamp
.Please note: Your application to change to F-1 student status MUST BE APPROVED before you may legally enroll in classes.
| Change from F-2 to F-1 Status |
To change status from F-2 dependent to F-1 student, an application,
fee, and supporting documents must be sent to USCIS. The International
Program Coordinators will review completed application materials,
make photocopies of them and mail packet for applicants.
Applicants for a change of status from F-2 to F-1 may not
attend RIT until their change of status is approved
by USCIS.
Items Required in Application to USCIS:
- Fee of $290: check or money order made payable
to Department of Homeland Security; admission number (number on I-94 and I-20), name
(if not already printed on check), and the type of application
should be written on the check or money order.
- Receipt showing that you have paid the “SEVIS fee.” You can print the receipt when you pay the fee: www.FMJfee.com.
- Letter from applicant requesting the change of status. In this letter applicant must explain his or circumstance and plans.
- Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This form is available in our office. An International Program Coordinator will help applicants with questions they don't understand. It is important to fill out both sides of the form and answer questions in Part 4 item 3 on a separate page when necessary, and complete the mailing label).
- Form I-20 (pages 1-4); Applicants should read page 2; and be sure to sign on line 11 on pages 1 and 3.
- Photocopy of spouse’s I-20.
- Financial documentation. This documentation should support section 8 on your I-20 (letter from academic field for an assistantship, a personal or family bank statement, etc.).
- Photocopy of both sides of Form I-94 (and I-94s of any accompanying dependents if included in application).
- Photocopies of four pages of your passport: biographical data page, page with applicant’s photo, page showing passport expiration date, and page with the F-2 visa stamp.
| Change from F-1 to F-2 Status |
To change status from F-1 student to F-2 dependent, an application, fee, and supporting documents must me sent to USCIS’s Vermont Service Center. The International Program Coordinators will review completed application materials, make photocopies of them and mail packet for applicants.
Items Required in Application to USCIS:
- Fee of $290: check or money order made payable
to Department of Homeland Security; admission number (the number on I-94 and I-20),
name (if not already printed on check), and the type of
application should be written on the check or money order.
- Letter from applicant requesting the change of status. In this letter applicant must explain his or circumstance and plans.
- Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This form is available in our office. An International Program Coordinator will help applicants with questions they don't understand. It is important to fill out both sides of the form and answer questions in Part 4 item 3 on a separate page when necessary, and complete the mailing label).
- The dependent I-20 created for you by and ISS Advisor (or other school if your spouse is not an RIT student). Send the original, not a copy.
- Photocopy of spouse’s immigration documents, including:
- ID page of her/his passport
- page in passport showing expiration date if different than ID page
- F-1 visa page
- I-20 (pages 1 - 3; This should be the updated version which includes funding for you as a dependent)
- BOTH sides of the I-94 card
- Photocopy of Marriage Certificate (or "official family record")
- Financial documentation. This documentation should support section 8 on your I-20 (letter from academic field for an assistantship, a personal or family bank statement, etc.).
- Photocopy of both sides of Form I-94 (and I-94s of any accompanying dependents if included in application).
- Photocopies of four pages of your passport: biographical data page, page with applicant’s photo, page showing passport expiration date, and page with the F-2 visa stamp.
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