Changing to F-1 Status

Qualifications for F-1 Student Status

Most non-immigrants in the United States may request a change to F-1 student status. To be eligible for the status change, the person must be:

• Eligible for F-1 status and have a Form I-20 issued by Northern Kentucky University
• Maintaining a current non-immigrant status from which a change to F-1 status can be requested in the U.S.

Applying For F-1 Student Status

To apply for a change to F-1 status, the following documents must be submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

Original documents

• Completed Form I-539
  
• The Form I-539 fee of $370, payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security by check or money order
• Original I-20 signed by the international student advisor and the student
• Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee
• Original I-94 card

Photocopied documents

• Passport identifying pages
• Copy of your current visa
• All immigration documents related to current and previous status in the United States
• Photocopies of financial support documentation used to request the I-20
• If applicable, dependent family information included on Form I-539
• Letter from the applicant indicating why they want to change status

The international student advisor will review your paperwork and will provide the address to send the application.