Changing, Extending or Renewing Your Visa
All applicants must be admitted to an academic program before applying for a change of status. Some visa statuses (H-4, H-1B, J-2) allow you to begin school before changing status; others do not (F-2, B1/B-2).
If you have questions about your current visa status, please contact the Office of International Services.
Change Status to F-1
There are two ways to obtain a new visa status.
You must change status by travel if you are:
- In B, C, D, K or M status
- In J status and subject to the two-year home residence requirement
- Admitted under the Visa Waiver Program
To change status by travel:
- Obtain an I-20 from the Office of International Services. You will need to be accepted
into an academic program to be issued an I-20. We鈥檒l also need to verify your financial
situation through a bank statement and/or sponsorship letter.
- Schedule a visa interview. It is highly recommended to return to your home country
to obtain the visa. There are a number of documents that you will need in order to apply for a visa.
- Return to the United States. Once you have obtained the visa, you will return to the U.S., and an I-94 admission stamp will be placed on your I-20 with your new visa class.
Filing for a change of status within the U.S. is possible. However, it is becoming increasingly more difficult. If you plan to apply for a change of status within the U.S., our office recommends enlisting the help of a qualified immigration attorney.
Changes of status within the U.S. have taken upwards of 12 months. During this time, you may or may not be able to study, depending on your prior immigration category. Additionally, you must maintain a legal immigration status until your change of status application is approved by U.S. immigration authorities. As a result, we do not recommend filing for a change of status within the U.S.
Extending Your I-20 or DS-2019
If your I-20 or DS-2019 will expire before you finish your studies, you must extend
to maintain your status.
To extend, submit the following documents to the Office of International Services
before your current form expires:
- A letter from an academic advisor explaining the reason for, and length of, the extension
- An updated financial certification to cover the tuition and living expenses for the extended period
Renewing a Student Visa
If you are traveling outside the United States and your visa has expired, you will
need to schedule time to renew your student visa before returning to the United States.
(Exceptions include Canada, Mexico and some adjacent islands through a process known
as .)
- It is always recommended that you apply to renew your visa in your home country. You
cannot renew a visa inside the United States.
- Refer to the website of the in your home country or in the country that you will be visiting for specific application
instructions. Remember to plan ahead for any necessary visa appointment and processing
time.
- Prepare the appropriate documents listed on the embassy or consulate website.