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Immigration Services

Change of Status to F-1 or J-1

International students currently in the U.S. on a different non-immigrant visa may be eligible to change their status to F-1 (student) or J-1 (exchange visitor), if they have maintained lawful status.

Key Points

  • Clemson University does not sponsor the application, but Immigration Services can guide you through the process.
  • Approval is determined by USCIS and may take 12–15 months. Please allow enough time the federal qovernment to approve your status change application change.
  • You cannot begin studies or work on campus until the change of status is approved—unless your current status permits it.
  • Alternative option: Leave the U.S. and re-enter with a new F-1/J-1 visa issued with a Clemson I-20 or DS-2019. If you wish to exercise this option, please meet with an IS advisor for assistance.

How to Apply

Submit the following materials to the USCIS to apply for a change of status to F-1/DS-2019:

  • A check or money order made payable to the “US Department of Homeland Security” (fees are subject to change).
  • The Clemson-issued Form I-20/DS-2019 to change your status to F-1/J-1. To request the I-20, use Form IS-110, Change of Status to F-1, and submit it with supporting documentation.
  • Once you have received the I-20/DS-2019, you can pay the “SEVIS Fee” by visiting fmjfee.com. Include a copy of the receipt with your application.
  • Form I-539 Application to Change/Extend Non-Immigrant Status
  • Four copies of page 1 of the Clemson I-20/DS-2019.
  • A copy of I-94 Record and the biographical page of your passport – if you have renewed your passport, include a copy of the renewal page.
  • A copy of your most recent U.S. visa.
  • Financial documents (documents must be original and less than six months old). You may use one or a combination of the following:
    • Personal bank statement or bank statement of a sponsor with a letter of support.
    • Bank letter verifying account balance.
    • Proof of graduate assistantship with the tuition waiver.
  • A personal letter to the USCIS requesting a change of status. The letter should address the following:
    • Why did you not enter the U.S. in F-1/J-1 Status?
    • Why are you requesting a change?
    • Academic and professional goals
    • The hardship you will encounter if your request for a change of status is denied.

Additional Materials Needed

In addition to the information listed above, your current non-immigrant status may require the submission of the following materials. Please see the chart below to determine what else you must include with your application.

Additional Documents Needed by Current Status

Current Status Additional Documents Needed
F-2
  • Copy of spouse’s I-20.
  • I-94 Record.
  • Copy of biographical page in spouse’s passport.
  • Copy of spouse’s most recent U.S. entry visa.
  • Copy of your marriage certificate – notarized and translated into English for a spouse.
  • Copy of birth certificate for a child.
J-1
  • If subject to 212(e), copy of the “no objection” waiver from USCIS.
  • If you are a J-1 Scholar, a letter from your department verifying that you have been maintaining your status.
J-2
  • Copy of spouse’s DS-2019.
  • I-94 Record.
  • Copy of biographical page in spouse’s passport.
  • Copy of spouse’s most recent U.S. entry visa.
  • If spouse is subject to 212(e), copy of the “no objection” waiver from USCIS.
  • Copy of your marriage certificate – notarized and translated into English for a spouse.
  • Copy of birth certificate for a child.
H-1
  • Copy of the front and back of your I-797 Approval Notice.
  • A letter from your current employer verifying that you have been maintaining your H-1 status.
H-4
  • Copy of the front and back of your I-797 Approval Notice for your H-4 status.
  • A letter from the H-1’s current employer verifying that you have been maintaining your H-1 status.
  • I-94 Record.
  • Copy of biographical (photo) page in spouse’s passport.
  • Copy of spouse’s most recent U.S. entry visa.
  • Copy of your marriage certificate – notarized and translated into English for a spouse.
  • Copy of birth certificate for a child.

Please note: Once you have prepared your application, please make a copy for your records. While you are waiting for your change of status to F-1/J-1 to be approved, your current immigration status may have some restrictions in terms of study/on-campus employment. Please meet with an international student advisor to better understand restrictions and next steps while awaiting approval.