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Change of Status: H-1B to F-1

In order to change status while in the United States from an H-1B Temporary Worker to an F-1 Student, you will need to be admitted to a full-time academic program and obtain Form I-20 from the admitting institution.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Your request to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for change of status should consist of the following:

1. Letter requesting change of status from H-1B to F-1. This letter should provide a brief overview of your stay in the U.S. and the reasons you would like to change to F-1.
2. Completed and signed Form I-539 with $290.00 fee (check or money order payable to “Department of Homeland Security”).
3. Original I-20, signed and dated at item #11.
4. Photocopy (both the front and back sides) of Form I-94.
5. Photocopy of the passport data page(s) showing both the picture and expiration date.
6. Photocopy of the U.S. Visa.
7. Photocopy of Form I-797 (H-1B Approval Notice).
8. Photocopy of last pay stub or a letter from the employer. These documents will help prove that you maintained your H-1B status and are eligible for a change of status.
9. Financial support documents (i.e., bank statement, assistantship contract, etc.).
10. If your dependent family members are currently in the United States and plan to change their status, their information should be included in the Form I-539. And send photocopies of their passport data page(s), U.S. Visa, Form I-797 if applicable, and Form I-94 (both sides).
11. You must pay the SEVIS fee of $200 prior to submitting your change of non-immigrant status application. You can pay this fee on-line at http://www.fmjfee.com.

Make an appointment with an advisor at OISS and bring all items listed above. OISS will review the application to help ensure that your application is complete. After all materials have been reviewed, send by certified mail with return receipt to:

USCIS California Service Center
P.O. Box 10539
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1053

Note: It may take up to six months to get a response from USCIS. If you have not received an answer after six months from the date the application was received, make an appointment with an advisor in OISS. The advisor will provide instructions on how to follow-up on your application.