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Change of Status to F1 or F2
If you are currently in the U.S., have been admitted to UNT, and would like to change your visa status to an F-1 or F-2, you have two options:
- Change of Status via Travel or Re-Entry
- Change of Status via USCIS Petition.
Please schedule an appointment with a Senior Immigration Advisor to discuss your options.
- You MUST be admitted to UNT in order to begin the change of status process.
- Appointments are required in order to begin the change of status process.
- Select "I want to change my visa status to F-1 or F-2" when you schedule your appointment.
- Drop-in advising and phone advising are not available for change of status appointments.
- It is important for you to communicate with your advisor throughout this process.
Application Responsibilities
International student advisors are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. Advisors guide you through the general process of applying for a change of status. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
While advisors can offer support and answer questions related to procedures, they cannot intervene in or guarantee the outcome of your application. As the applicant, you are fully responsible for understanding and complying with U.S. immigration regulations.
By submitting your signed Change of Status application to USCIS, you are verifying that all information is correct and accurate. ISSS is not responsible for any missing or incorrect information in your application. If you discover any issues, please contact the ISSS office before filing your application. Filing with incomplete or inaccurate information and/or documents may result in the denial of your application.
For legal advice regarding the change of status process, you should consult with an immigration attorney.
Resources
Change of Status Presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change my status to F-1?
- USCIS typically takes 3-8 months to decide on a Change of Status petition.
- If you file for Premium Processing, USCIS guarantees a decision within 30 days.
Are F-1 students eligible for in-state tuition?
- F-1 students are generally charged out-of-state tuition unless they have a scholarship or waiver granting in-state tuition. Contact the Registrar's Office to confirm your eligibility.
How do I request an I-20?
- You must be fully admitted to UNT before you can request an I-20. During your Change of Status appointment, your advisor will explain how to request your I-20.
How long does it take to receive my Change of Status I-20?
- You can expect to receive your I-20 within 3-5 business days after submitting your request. Remember, you can only submit your request AFTER you have been admitted to UNT, and AFTER you have met with a Senior Immigration Advisor.
Can I attend classes while my Change of Status petition is pending with USCIS?
- If your current visa permits studying, you may be eligible to start classes while your petition is pending. Speak with an advisor to confirm your eligibility.
Are F-1 students required to have health insurance?
- All international students are automatically enrolled in the UNT Student Health Insurance plan. Under limited circumstances, students may waive the plan. More information can be found here.
Can I travel outside the U.S. while my Change of Status petition is pending with USCIS?
- While your petition to change status to F-1 is pending with USCIS, it is recommended that you remain in the US until a decision is made regarding your application. If you depart the US with a pending petition, USCIS will view this as an abandonment of your petition.
Can I travel after my Change of Status petition is approved?
- Yes, but approval of a Change of Status does not provide you with an F-1 visa stamp. To return to the U.S., you will need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
When can I apply for OPT/CPT?
- You must complete one academic year of full-time enrollment and be in F-1 status to request CPT and OPT. Students with a pending Change of Status application are not eligible for these work authorizations. Speak with an advisor for more details.
What if my Change of Status petition is not approved by the start date of classes?
- Your advisor will defer the start date on your I-20 to the next available semester.
Important Reminders
- UNT is only able to provide information regarding the process to change status to F-1, F-2.
- For information about changing status to J-1 or J-2, please email jinfo@unt.edu.
- For questions about changing to another visa category, please contact an immigration attorney.
Steps for Changing Status to F-1 via Travel and Re-entry
- Meet with a Senior Immigration Advisor to discuss the process and required documents for changing status via travel.
- Submit a request for a re-entry I-20 through iNorthTX. Print and physically sign the I-20.
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee for your new SEVIS ID number.
- After receiving your I-20, travel outside the U.S. and attend an F-1 visa interview
at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- More information about Travel and U.S. Entry can be found here.
- Obtain an F-1 visa at the embassy or consulate and re-enter the U.S.
- Reminder: Pay close attention to the "earliest admission date" and "program start date" listed on page 1 of your I-20. If your travel plans change, contact your advisor as soon as possible.
- Complete the WINGS – Pre-Arrival International Student Orientation.
- This orientation is required of all students who are changing to F-1 status, even if you are currently attending UNT and have already started your degree program.
- After you return to the U.S. with your F-1 visa, submit your new immigration documents via the Immigration Document Check-In eForm in iNorthTX to notify the ISSS office of your updated status. Your advisor will send you an email with instructions on how to complete this process.
- Follow all F-1 Immigration Regulations.
Steps for Changing Status via USCIS Petition
- Meet with a Senior Immigration Advisor to discuss the process and required documents for changing status via USCIS petition.
- Submit a request for a Change of Status I-20 through iNorthTX.
- Verify that your I-20 has been issued for Change of Status
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- After you receive your I-20, print and physically sign the I-20 on page 1.
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee for your new SEVIS ID number.
- After obtaining your I-20, file Form I-539 and the supporting documentation with USCIS. Filing can be done online through a USCIS online account or by mailing the application.
- After filing, USCIS will send you a Receipt Notice. Be sure to provide a copy of the receipt and any other USCIS communications to your advisor so the ISSS office can monitor your case.
- You can submit any information regarding your Change of Status application in the USCIS Documents Upload in iNorthTX.
- If approved by USCIS, submit your Approval Notice via the Immigration Document Check-In eForm in iNorthTX to notify the ISSS office of your new status.
- You can submit any information regarding your Change of Status application in the USCIS Documents Upload in iNorthTX.
- Follow all F-1 Immigration Regulations.