Change of Status to F-1 in the United States

If you are already in the United States in another nonimmigrant status, you may be allowed to apply for a change of status to F-1 while remaining in the United States. Please note that not all nonimmigrants in the U.S. will be eligible to apply for a change of status to F-1. Refer to the USCIS Changing to a Nonimmigrant F Student Status page for more detailed information on eligibility and the change of status process.

Prospective students who are already in the United States and wish to apply for a change of status to F-1 must first consult with the Center for Global Health at MUSC. The change of status process can be lengthy, complex and costly. We typically do not recommend pursuing a change of status in most circumstances.

In general, the change of status process follows these steps:

• Student is accepted into an MUSC degree program
• Student completes the MUSC F-1 sponsorship application process
• MUSC creates Form I-20
• Student receives Form I-20 and pays the SEVIS I-901 fee
• Student completes and submits USCIS Form I-539 change of status application
• USCIS approves change of status application and sends approval notice

If you are pursuing a change of status to F-1, you are responsible for completing USCIS Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You must carefully read all of the instructions provided by USCIS for submitting this application. You must also pay the USCIS fee associated with this application.

USCIS processing times for I-539 applications are highly variable. Sometimes these applications take 9 to 12 months for USCIS to process. If you file for a change of status to F-1, you must maintain your current nonimmigrant status while the I-539 application is pending. USCIS does offer premium processing service for the I-539 application. Premium processing is an optional service that will expedite the processing of the application for an additional fee. Premium processing will ensure that the application is processed within 30 days, in most cases. 

Some nonimmigrants may be able to begin their studies while their applications for change of status are pending with USCIS. However, nonimmigrants currently in B-1, B-2, F-2 or M-2 status cannot begin their studies prior to USCIS approval of the change of status application.