Change to F1 Status
Can I Change My Status to F-1?
Not everyone needs to change to F-1 status to study in the US. Please check the rules of your current status to see if study is permitted. This guide is a good resource to help you check. We also recommend consulting with an immigration attorney.
If you do need F-1 status, you can choose one of the following two options:
Travel
This is the fastest option and is the traditional way most students enter the U.S. to study with F-1 status. You will apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate (which are only located outside the U.S.), and enter the U.S. using that F-1 visa.
Non-Travel (This is called “Change of Status”)
This option should only be considered if you aren’t in a hurry to change to F-1 status. With this option, you will file form I-539 with USCIS and wait for them to approve your F-1 status. With this method, you will not receive the visa stamp in your passport.
How do I start the process?
- Email our ISS advisors at uwbintl@uw.edu.
- After you’ve spoken to an advisor, we will give you access to the International Student Portal.
- Complete the I-20 request, uploading the necessary information and documents.
- If your current status does not allow study in the US, please defer your start date to a future quarter before starting your I-20 request. You should defer based on USCIS processing times for the I-539.
How long does this take?
- ISS processing of your Change of Status I-20 varies depending on the time of year. We will usually process your request within 7 – 10 business days. During SEVIS registration periods, you may have to wait until 30 days after the start of the quarter for your request to be processed.
- USCIS approvals can take a very long time. You should check current processing times for the I-539 here.
What documents do I need?
- A clear image of your passport biographical page (the entire page).
- A clear image of the visa you used to enter the US (the entire page).
- Your current I-94 record. If you have an I-797A from a previous change of status, you can use that instead.
- Financial documents required for all F-1 applicants.
- Clear images of the passport biographical pages for any dependents you might have.
Still have questions?
Contact the International Student Services at uwbintl@uw.edu to discuss your situation and get your questions answered!