Change of status F-1 International Student

Below is the list of the documents that are required for issuing of your Change of Status Form I-20. 

All documents must be saved as PDF files with short names (less than 30 characters). The file name should not contain any invalid characters such as (*:"<>?). Bad quality or upside-down documents will be rejected. Please combine different document types in 1 PDF file. For example, if you have statements from different banks, save them as one file. To scan and convert a file to PDF format, you can also use free PDF scanner apps (Genius Scan - PDF Scanner, Fast Scanner: Free PDF Scan for Android, Tiny Scanner- PDF scanner, etc.) Upon uploading, the System will add automatically change the name of the file to a 3 or 4-digit code and your HCC ID number.

1. Complete and sign the  SEVIS Form I-20 Application‌  Note: Electronic signature is accepted.
2. Complete and sign Legal Waiver and Release Form‌
3. Copy of passport biometric page (at least 6 months from the filing date, or include a receipt for extension or renewal)* 
4. Copy of latest visa (or Change of Status approval notice I-797)*
5. I-94 Departure Record: print out your I-94 at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home > click on Get most recent I-94 or provide the I-94 on the Change of Status approval notice I-797 . If your non-immigrant status has expired, please include receipt of the application for an extension/ or update of your status*/**
6. Financial Documentation UCSIS Expects COS applicants to provide evidence for financial support covering the full amount shown on the Form I-20: $22,980 for the primary holder and $4,400 for each dependent.
7. $75 non-refundable application fee. 

   How to pay the fee:
   You can pay the fee online using a credit card or funds transfer from your local bank (via Flywire).  Refer to the International Payment Tutorial (Flywire) for instructions. Please enable pop-ups on your internet browser for online payment. After payment, the receipt will be sent to your email address. Save the receipt as a PDF.

   Note: The payment term and entrance term may vary when paying the fee online. This is not a problem as the payment can be tracked by date. 

* Provide this document for all dependents (spouse/ children under 21) who are in the U.S. and are changing status with you; provide also marriage and birth certificates. This is also required for the primary visa holder if your current status is based on her/his visa. All supporting documents should be in English or translated into English. When children "age out" at the age of 21, they are no longer in lawful status under their parent's visa. 

**You should be in lawful non-immigrant status at the time of filing the initial COS to F-1/F-2 application. Examples of documents showing that you are currently in lawful non-immigrant status can include Form I-94, DS-2019 for J1/2, Form I-20 for F-2 status, Form I-797: receipt of the application for an extension/ or update of status.

 A Checklist will be added to your HCC account two (2) business days after you attend the virtual workshop.

1. Log in to your account on the HCC Student System
2. In the Student Homepage, click on Checklists
3. Click on the F-1 Student Checklist to upload the required documents. If you do not see an F-1 Student Checklist two business days after you attended the workshop, please send an email to oiss.international@hccs.edu with your HCC student ID, "COS," and the semester you're applying for, written in the subject line. Only students who attended the COS Virtual Workshop will be assigned COS Checklists.

Use the "+" sign on the Checklist item to add additional supporting documents. Don't forget to add documents marked with "*" on Step 4 for all your dependents (spouse/ children under 21) who are in the U.S. and are changing status with you; provide also marriage and birth certificates. This is also required for the primary visa holder if your current status is based on her/his visa. All supporting documents should be in English or translated into English. When children "age out" at the age of 21, they are no longer in lawful status under their parent's visa.  Examples of documents showing that applicants are currently in lawful non-immigrant status can include Form I-94, DS-2019 for J1/2, Form I-20 for F-2 status, Form I-797: receipt of the application for an extension/ or update of status.

Follow the instructions on the   Tutorial - F1 Students Checklist_Prepare and Upload Documents

Monitor your Student Checklist for additional documents that may be required.

Login to your HCC Student Sign-In and view your To-Do list (click on Checklist>F-1 Student Checklist list).  If the only item in your To-Do list is “I-20 In Process”, your application is under review by your assigned Designated School Official (DSO).  If you see any other items in your To-Do list, you must upload the required documents so that your application can be reviewed. 

After uploading all the required documents, it usually takes approximately 10 business days for the review and processing of the I-20. The duration of this process may vary depending on when the application is submitted and the number of applicants in the queue at that time.

If you haven't heard from us within 10 business days (weekends and holidays are not included), please email oiss.international@hccs.edu  to check the status of your application. Make sure to include your HCC ID in the email subject line.

Once the office receives all required documents, it takes about 10 business days for the processing of the SEVIS Form I-20 for applicants who meet the requirements. Applications are processed in the order they are received.

We are sending the I-20 form electronically to the primary email listed on your HCC account. 

When you receive the I-20, we recommend you proofread the following information on the form:

On page 1:

• Names
• Date of Birth
• Form Issue Reason: CHANGE OF STATUS
• Start of Classes: (shows the date for the initial semester of attendance)
• DSO signature

Print out the I-20 for yourself (F-1) and for your dependents (F-2), if any. Sign the first page of the I-20 in ink as students are not allowed electronic signatures. 

 * In case of any discrepancies, please contact your DSO for corrections before filing the COS application I-539.

I-901 fee applies only to the F-1 applicant. The dependent applicants (F-2) do not pay this fee. Failure to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee will result in the denial of your change of status to F-1 application. If your  I-20 record in SEVIS database does not show I-901 fee payment, it will not be deferred to the next available semester and your application will be denied.

Go to www.fmjfee.com and follow the instructions for I-901 fee payment. The School Code for HCC is HOU 214F 00354 000. Save a copy of the receipt for your application package to USCIS.

A prospective F-1 student with a country of citizenship or country of birth of Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Gambia must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or certified check drawn from a U.S. bank. 

All other prospective F-1 students also have the option to make a credit card payment on FMJfee.com.

• SEVP will accept third-party payments, meaning someone else can pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee using the same method of payment. For students from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Gambia who cannot pay the fee by credit card, third-party payers are also restricted from paying the fee by credit card.
• Visit SEVP's website for instructions on how to complete the Western Union Quick Pay/Quick Collect form.
• You can access the PDF version of the SEVIS Form I-901 on SEVP's website. Print and mail in your paper SEVIS Form I-901 with your check or money order, according to the instructions on the form.
• For detailed instructions or assistance on how to make an I-901 SEVIS Fee payment, call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400.

File Online

Filing online helps you to: Get your application into our processing queue faster than mail delivery; Ensure you are using the correct version of the form; and Communicate with USCIS directly, without sending or receiving paper mail.

You may apply online to extend or change your nonimmigrant status if you are applying as a single applicant, without co-applicants/dependents; and you will not require legal or accredited representation at any point in your request.

Create or use an existent account: https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ >My account>File a Form>I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

or you can go directly to and start from there: https://www.uscis.gov/i539online

 Prepare and Upload:

• Copy of passport (at least 6 months from the filing date, or include a receipt for extension or renewal)
• Copy of Visa
• Copy of Form I-94 https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home> Click on Get most recent I-94; or your Notice of Action I-797A if you have changed status in the U.S.
• Financial Documents
• Personal letter: Click to view a Sample Personal Letter for Change of Status
• Other supporting documents….
• Form I-20 for Change of Status signed by DSO and student (all pages)
• Receipt of paid SEVIS I-901 fee for $350
• Pay the filing fee of $420 at the end of the application For the latest filing fees instructions, go to https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees

After the fee is paid, your form will be submitted and you will have access to your receipt and case number.

Use your USCIS online account to:

• Receive your biometrics appointment notice;
• Receive status updates about your case;
• Respond to any correspondence in which we ask you to submit evidence; and
• Update your contact information if it changes.

File by Mail

You may apply by mail if you are applying: As a single applicant with co-applicants/dependents; and/or you require legal or accredited representation at any point in your request.

To download the paper I-539 application/primary applicant, go to:

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-539.pdf

To download the I-539A dependent/co-applicant application, go to

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-539a.pdf 

USCIS: Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Tutorial: Click to view a Sample Form I-539 for Change of Status to F-1

Tutorial: Click to view a Sample Personal Letter for Change of Status

Tutorial: Click on the COS Mailing List for instructions on documents that need to be included in your application packet and mailing address(es).

The filing fee for the paper application is $470

Assemble all documents according to the COS Mailing Checklist. Use paper clips; do not use staples to attach documents together.
USCIS requires each applicant and co-applicant (dependent) to attend an appointment that will be scheduled at a USCIS Applicant Support Center (ACS) where biometrics such as fingerprints will be collected. Form I-539A is to be used for multiple individuals such as family members.

For the latest filing fees instructions, go to https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees

After you have filed your application with USCIS, you will receive a Form I-797 Notice of Action (receipt) in the mail and electronically (if you applied online). If you are using the services af an immigration lawyer, ask him/her to provide the receipt to you to ensure that you I-20 won't be cancelled.

Our office  provides automatic deferments to the next available semester only for qualifying applicants who meet the following requirements:  

1. SEVIS fee I-901 has been paid
2. Evidence that the I-539 application was submitted. Provide a copy of your receipt or an electronic notice containing your case number

You must email a copy of this receipt to oiss.international@hccs.edu . Always include your HCC ID in the subject line of the email.

 The receipt number is printed in the upper left corner of the USCIS Form I-797 “Notice of Action” receipt.

• You can check your Case Status here.
• You can report Address Change here.
• You can check processing times for Form I-539 here.

USCIS will determine the need for biometric appointments. Applicants (F-1) and co-applicants (F-2) will receive a biometric services appointment notice, regardless of age, containing their individual receipt number. Biometric services appointments will be scheduled at the Application Support Center (ASC) closest to the primary applicant’s address. Co-applicants who wish to be scheduled at a different ASC location should file a separate Form I-539. If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your application.

When the applicant’s status changes to “Approved”, “Denied”, or in case of Request for Evidence (RFE) the student should inform our office immediately at oiss.international@hccs.edu.

Check weekly the status of your application on the USCIS Case Status web page. Use the receipt (case) number printed in the upper left corner of the USCIS Form I-797 “Notice of Action” receipt. This receipt number is a unique 13-character identifier that consists of three letters followed by 10 numbers.

Creating a personalized account with USCIS at my.uscis.gov. allows you to receive your most recent case updates including up to the last five actions on your case, simplifies case management, and access to your electronically filed applications.

Request of Evidence (RFE)

• If the USCIS needs further clarification from students regarding their application, a Request for Evidence (RFE) notice will be sent to them.  It is important to follow the instructions on the RFE carefully and by the noted deadline.  If an RFE is not filed correctly in a timely manner, it may result in the denial of their Change of Status application.

It is very important to monitor your mail about messages from USCIS. Students with electronically filed applications will have immediate access to their RFEs while students who have applied by mail will have to wait to receive the paper RFE in their mailbox. In both cases, students should contact their assigned DSO and submit a copy of the RFE.

In case of delay of the RFE by mail, the applicant should call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Status: Approved

Students should inform our office immediately at oiss.international@hccs.edu and submit all documents for Check-in following the instructions on . Sometimes there are delays in the mailing of the official copy of the I-797A "Notice of Action". However, the approval start date can vary, and in order to prevent  F-1 status termination, the student should start immediately working on securing timely enrollment at HCC. In the meantime, we recommend students to call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Delayed or lost Form I-797A is not an excuse for not reporting and enrolling at HCC for the relevant semester. 

Status: Denied

You should be prepared to leave the country in order to prevent accruing unlawful presence. 

A Change of Status denial cannot be appealed. However, if you disagree with this decision, or if you have additional evidence that shows this decision is incorrect, you may submit a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider by completing a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion. A motion to reopen
must state the new facts to be considered and must be supported by affidavits or other new documentary evidence. A motion to reconsider must show that the decision was legally incorrect according to statute, regulation, and/or precedent decision.
The motion must be filed within 33 days from the date of the denial notice. You may need to consult with an immigration lawyer. Please visit https://hlrs.org  or call 713-237-9429  or 1-800-289-4577.

Examples of Request for Evidence (RFE) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

(Usually, the maximum period allowed for responding is 30 days from the date on the letter)

• Documentary Evidence of Current Finances
• Banks Outside of the United States

You are required to show that you have the financial means to pay for the course of study as indicated on your SEVIS Form I-20. In addition, you must substantiate that you will have the financial ability to pay for your course of study and living expenses for the entire period of study as indicated on your Form I-20.

Submit the last three (3) months of original bank statements (translated in English) that include all deposits and withdrawals to include explanations as evidence that you are able to provide immediate funds for your first year of study, as well as an ability to provide this support throughout the duration of your study.

If you submit documentation that includes foreign currency, calculate the value in U.S. Dollars and include evidence of the source for the currency conversion exchange rate.

You submitted foreign financial records for your personal bank account (XXX Bank). Indicate how you access the funds while in the United States. If the funds will be transferred to an account in the United States, including three (3) months of bank statements for those accounts that show all deposits and withdrawals for the account.

Note: Any financial records you submit need to include the full name of the account holder and the address of the bank.

• Documentary Evidence of Return Ticket
• Documentary Evidence of Residence Abroad

Submit evidence to establish that you have made arrangements to depart the United States upon completion of your temporary stay in the United States. Such evidence includes an airline ticket or other transportation ticket or evidence that you have the funds necessary to secure your departure from the United States.

Regulations require that an F-1 student establish that he/she has a residence in a foreign country, which he or she has no intention of abandoning, is a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study and seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing such a course of study. Submit documentation to establish that you have a foreign residence where you intend to reside upon expiration of your F-1 status. Such documentation includes current telephone bills, current utility bills, current mortgage statements, current rental agreements, current rent receipts, etc.

• Impact on Foreign Employment
• Initial Contact

Submit a statement explaining any effect the extended stay may have on your foreign employment.

Submit a letter from your international student advisor setting forth the date the school was first contacted on your behalf and the date you filed your application for admission to the school.

• Applicants with Previous F-1 and F-2 Student Records
• Statement to Customs and Border Protection

Explain in detail the previous school filings. Provide a detailed statement explaining why you did not apply for a change of status to F-1 and F-2 while you were outside of the United States. Moreover, why you did not go to the U.S. Embassy to apply for F-1 and F-2 visas but entered the U.S. as tourists.

Provide a statement that answers the following questions: When you were admitted to the United States, did you disclose to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer that you were seeking to study? If not, provide an explanation of why you did not disclose that possibility.

• Reason for Most Recent Entry into the United States

Submit a detailed statement describing your activities in the United States prior to applying for a change of status to F-1. Include any traveling, visiting friends or relatives, and/or any other tourist activities. Submit documentation such as travel or accommodation receipts to add weight to the merits of your statement.

Note: Statements alone may be insufficient to establish eligibility and should be accompanied by any available supporting documentary evidence.

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, Application

A review of the official records reveals that an immigrant petition has been filed for you. However, as per the instruction of Form I-539, the record does not show that you provided a description of the circumstances described and explained on a separate piece of paper.  As per these instructions, provide a statement that describes the circumstances and your intent in detail on filing Form I-130. Submit a copy of the I-797, Notice of Action for the I-130 Petition for Alien Resident listing you as the beneficiary.

• Purpose of Course of Study
• Evidence of Intent to Depart

Submit a detailed statement to explain how your proposed course of study will benefit your current career path and goals. Also, include a detailed statement to explain the effect of your proposed change of status on your foreign employment and residency.

Submit a statement in which you describe your intention concerning departure from the United States upon completion of your proposed study.

• Translation and Currency
• Affidavit of Support

If you submit documents that include foreign currency denominations, please calculate their value in U.S. dollars. Please include evidence of the source for the currency conversion exchange rates. If you submit a document in any language other than English, you must include a full English translation. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate and that he or she is competent to translate from a foreign language to English. Official extracts are acceptable, but only if they contain all the information necessary to make a decision on the case. Only extracts prepared by an authorized official (the “keeper of the record”) are acceptable. A summary of a document prepared by a translator is unacceptable.

If you have a sponsor, your sponsor should submit a notarized statement or affidavit of support specifying the intended type and amount of financial contributions he or she will make on your behalf to cover your various costs (such as tuition and school expenses, room and board, living expenses, medical expenses, health insurance, etc.). Your sponsor should submit documentary evidence demonstrating that he or she is able to provide immediate funds to cover expenses associated with your first year of study. In addition, your sponsor should provide evidence of his or her ability to fund your tuition and living expenses for the duration of the course of study. Such supportive evidence may include but is not limited to, current employment records, tax records, business records, property records, etc.

• Ability to Read and Understand English Language

You are asking to study English as a Second Language (ESL) as indicated on the SEVIS Form I-20, and you indicate on Part 5 of the I-539 Application (Applicants Statement): “I can read and understand each and every question of the form, as well as my answer to each question.” If you can read and understand English, please explain why you are seeking ESL training.

• Example RFE for J-1 Student:

Government regulations require you to maintain a valid nonimmigrant status up to the filing date of your instant application.

Submit the following to establish that you have maintained your J nonimmigrant status up to the date of filing:

• Submit copies of your three most recent check stubs from your J-1 program employer.
• Submit a letter from your Responsible Officer and/or Program Sponsor detailing that you have been maintaining your J nonimmigrant status.
• Submit school records from all the colleges/post-secondary schools you have attended.
• Submit all Forms DS-2019 previously issued to you.
• If you are subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement of Section 212€ of the Immigration and Nationality Act, please submit evidence that you have been granted a waiver of that requirement.

Example RFE for B-2 Student:

Provide the following evidence to establish that you were in valid nonimmigrant status at the time your Form I-539 was filed:

Submit a detailed, chronological list of all activities in which you’ve engaged since being admitted to the United States. For example, if you were engaged in tourist activities, include all the towns and cities and tourist attractions, such as parks and museums that you have visited, to the best of your knowledge. You need not include any places you transited through or otherwise stopped in on your way to such destinations, provided you did not stay overnight, or stopover in any such place for a significant period of time. If you were visiting a friend or relative, provide the name and address of the person and the dates visited. Provide documentary evidence of such activities, which may include, but is not limited to receipts, bank statements, credit card statements, hotel invoices, rent receipts, and affidavits from those you have visited.  

The decision will be made solely by the USCIS officer who will adjudicate the change of status application.  USCIS business practices and regulations may change without notice. 

The student is responsible for information provided in the COS application and decisions made by USCIS do not reflect the actions of the HCC International Services and Programs.

Do not travel outside of the U.S. while your COS case is pending. If you leave the country, USCIS will consider your application abandoned. In case you must travel because of an emergency/unexpected circumstance while your COS case is still pending with USCIS, you should plan to withdraw your application from USCIS and notify our office via email as well.

If you obtain your F-1 status through a change of status process with USCIS, remember that you will only receive an F-1 status, not an F-1 visa. 

This means that the first time you travel outside the U.S. while in F-1 status, you will have to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate/embassy in order to be able to return to the U.S.

You need to schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy/ Consulate abroad and submit all necessary documents while you are outside of the U.S. 

It can be much more difficult to obtain a visa stamp in a 3rd country, such as Canada or Mexico, if you are not a national of that country. 

If you intend to apply for a visa in a country other than your home country, you will need to check with the consulate/embassy to determine if this is an option.

If denied a visa, you must return to your home country to apply for a visa there. 

If your nonimmigrant status is based on the fact that you are a family member or dependent (unmarried children under 21 years of age) of an individual who has already been granted nonimmigrant status, then you must file your application while that individual maintains a valid nonimmigrant status. Family members and dependents are limited to the same period of authorized stay as the principal immigrant.

You may include your spouse and your unmarried children under 21 years of age as co-applicants in your application change of status, but only if you are all now in the U.S. and in the same status or they are all in derivative status.  The primary applicant applies for a Change of status to F-1, while the co-applicants will be included in the primary applicant's I-20 and will each receive an F-2 I-20 that should be submitted as supporting evidence with the I-539A application.

If you apply as part of a family, you may choose to:

• Apply together, using paper Form I-539 https://www.uscis.gov/i-539 , and pay a single fee; or
• Apply online https://my.uscis.gov/apply/application-to-extend-change-nonimmigrant-status/overview  as individuals, and pay a fee for each application.

The EOIR provides a listing of attorneys in your state who provide immigration services either for free or for little cost. They also provide a list of accredited representatives and recognized organizations. The American Bar Association also provides information on finding legal services in your state.

When choosing an attorney you should:

• Make sure that the attorney is eligible to practice in – and is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of – any U.S. state, possession, territory or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Make sure that the attorney is not under any court order restricting his or her practice of law.
• Ask to see the attorney’s current licensing document, and verify through the state agency responsible for regulating attorneys that he or she is eligible to practice.
• Check the List of Currently Disciplined Practitioners. This is where the Executive Office for Immigration Review lists people who have been expelled, disbarred or suspended from practicing law before USCIS. Attorneys who are on the list and who have a “No” in the last column on the right are not eligible to give you legal advice. Ask to see a copy of the reinstatement order from the EOIR.

WARNING: “Notarios,” notary publics, immigration consultants and businesses cannot give you immigration legal advice unless they are authorized service providers. In many other countries, the word “notario” means that the individual is a powerful attorney, but that is not true in the U.S. If you need help with immigration issues, be very careful before paying money to anyone who is neither an attorney nor a EOIR-accredited representative of a EOIR-recognized organization.