F-1 Change of Status

From visitor to student. Start your studies without leaving the U.S.

Form I-539
Form I-20

Accepted to a U.S. school while you're already here? Changing to F-1 student status lets you begin your program without a trip abroad.

Timing is everything with this one, so we plan your application around your program's start date.

What we take care of

Your dates mapped against your program start
Form I-539 prepared with your I-20
Proof of funds organized and checked

Overview

A B2 to F1 change of status lets you move from visitor status to F-1 student status without leaving the United States. It is one of the most common ways people change from a tourist visa to a student visa while they are already in the country, and it is filed with USCIS on Form I-539. The same process generally applies if you are in another eligible nonimmigrant status and want to become a student.

To apply, you first need to be accepted by an SEVP-certified school and receive a Form I-20, and you need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. You also need to show that you can pay for your studies and living costs. You generally must be in valid status and file before your I-94 expires, and you should not start studying until the change of status is approved, because full-time study is not allowed in B-1 or B-2 status.

People admitted under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) cannot use this route. An approved change gives you F-1 status in the U.S., but not an F-1 visa stamp; if you travel abroad later, you generally need to get an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate to return.

Who this is for

You are in the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa and have been accepted to a college, university or language school
You came as a B-1 business visitor and decided to study full time
You are in another eligible nonimmigrant status and want to become an F-1 student
You have your I-20 from an SEVP-certified school and your I-94 has not expired
You want your spouse or children to change to F-2 status with you

How it works

Get your I-20 and pay the I-901 fee
Once your SEVP-certified school issues your Form I-20, you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and keep the receipt for your application.
Review your timeline and eligibility
We look at your entry, current status, I-94 date and program start date so you can see how your timeline fits before you file.
Prepare Form I-539 and evidence
We prepare Form I-539 (and I-539A for family members) and organize your I-20, I-901 receipt, financial documents and a statement explaining your change in plans.
Review the package with you
We go through the full application with you before filing, so the dates and details match your I-20 and your documents.
File with USCIS and stay in status
The application is filed with USCIS before your I-94 expires. While it is pending, you keep your current status, do not start classes, and we keep you updated on any USCIS notices.

Documents you'll usually need

Form I-539 (and Form I-539A for an F-2 spouse or children)
Form I-20 from an SEVP-certified school
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Copy of your passport, current visa and I-94 record
Proof of funds, such as bank statements, scholarships or a sponsor's support letter
A statement explaining why you want to study and why your plans changed
Evidence of your current status and, if relevant, ties to your home country

Timing

Plan your F-1 change of status around two dates: the date your I-94 expires and the date your program starts. You generally must file before your I-94 expires and should not begin classes until USCIS approves the change, so leave room for the school's start date and talk with your school's designated school official (DSO) if your timing is tight. USCIS processing times and fees change, so check the current figures USCIS publishes on uscis.gov.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change from B2 to F1 status in the US?

Generally, yes, if you were lawfully admitted in B-2 status, are still in valid status, have an I-20 from an SEVP-certified school and file Form I-539 before your I-94 expires. Visitors who entered on ESTA cannot change status this way.

How do I change from a tourist visa to a student visa?

From inside the U.S., you get accepted by an SEVP-certified school, receive a Form I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and file Form I-539 with USCIS along with proof of funds. Alternatively, you can leave the U.S. and apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate.

Can I start school while my B2 to F1 change of status is pending?

You generally should not begin full-time study until USCIS approves the change to F-1. Studying in B status is not permitted, and starting early can put your application at risk.

Do I need to pay the SEVIS fee for a change of status to F1?

Yes. You generally need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and include the payment receipt with your I-539 application. Check the current fee amount on the official government website before paying.

Will I get an F-1 visa after my change of status is approved?

No. You will be in F-1 status inside the U.S., but no visa is placed in your passport. If you travel abroad, you generally need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate before returning.

What happens if I leave the U.S. while my I-539 is pending?

Leaving the country while your change of status is pending generally abandons the application. If you then want to study in the U.S., you would usually need to apply for an F-1 visa abroad.

This page is general information about how these applications usually work, not advice for your specific case. USCIS rules, forms and fees change; check uscis.gov for the latest.