How to Apply for Change of Your Current Non-Immigrant Status to F-1 Status

1. Call us or simply come to the school and consult our international student advisor.
   Fill out an application form, register for your chosen program.
2. Provide copies of statements of your financial support

• Submit an original statement from your bank account
• If you have an American resident or citizen as your sponsor, have him or her fill out the affidavit of support (I-134 form) and submit his or her bank statement
• If you have a sponsor who resides in your country, have your sponsor write a sponsorship letter (in English) and submit his or her bank statement. In the sponsorship letter your sponsor should clearly state that he or she will cover all of your tuition, living and medical expenses.

3. Write a letter (in English) explaining why you decided to study in the United States.
4. Submit your current address in the US and your permanent address in your home country.
5. Fill out and sign an I-539 Form (Application for Change of Non-Immigrant Status).
   The school office will assist you in filling out this form.
6. Submit a personal check or a money order in the sum of $290  addressed to the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). All your submitted documents and I-20 student Form will be sent to USCIS. Your approval depends entirely on the specifics of your case, your current status, and USCIS officer's decision.

Remember

Your documents must be submitted and received by the INS before the expiration date indicated on your I-94 form. *INS is in the process of changing its regulations regarding change of status procedures. Please refer directly to International Educational Center Administration to find out whether you are eligible for change of your non-immigrant status to F-1.