You can apply for a change to F-1 status from within the US if you:

• Are currently in A, G, B-1 or B-2, F-2, H-1B or H4, or J-1 or J-2 status
• Have been admitted to Emory University

You can't apply from within the US if you:

• Are in C, D, K, or M status
• Entered the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for business or tourism
• Are in J-1 or J-2 status and are subject to the 2-year home country physical presence requirement

Timing

You must apply before your current status expires. In some cases, you have to maintain your current status while the change is pending. There can't be more than 30 days between the end of your current status and the start date of your requested status.

Changing from a dependent child status

If you are a dependent child under the age of 21, you can study full time through secondary school in that dependent status until you are 21. Your parent(s) must currently live in the US and maintain their status.

Travel plans

If you change status from within the US, the next time you make international travel plans you will still need to apply for a new student visa at a US embassy or consulate to re-enter the US in F-1 status.

Traveling abroad while your change-of-status application is pending is considered an abandonment of your application, and it will affect your SEVIS record. If you decide to leave the US while your application is pending, you should discuss your plans with your ISSS advisor. They can help you get a new or amended form I-20 for travel.

Prohibition of study for B-1 and B-2 status

Limits on study in F-2 status

On-campus employment

You won't be able to begin a fellowship or teaching assistantship, or receive a stipend, until your change to F-1 status is approved. 

Denials

If your change-of-status application is denied, you might have to leave the US immediately.

1. Change-of-status I-20. You'll request this through ISSS Link.
2. SEVIS fee receipt. You'll need your I-20 before you can pay your SEVIS fee.
3. Form I-539 and fee. When you submit your I-539, include a personal check or money order made out to the US Department of Homeland Security. Instructions for filling out your I-539 >>
4. A letter explaining why you're requesting a change of status. Your letter should explain your current status, your plans for study at Emory, and your long-term plans. Keep in mind that F-1 status is a non-immigrant classification, so you need to show that you will maintain ties to your home country—through a residence, an expected job offer, or family ties. The letter should list all items included in the petition. If you are currently in H-1B or L-1 status, give your dates of employment and request the date when you want your F-1 status to begin. For example, if your last day of employment is August 25, you should request that your F-1 status start on August 26. The F-1 start date must be within 30 days of the program start date on your I-20.
5. Copy of your Emory admission letter. If you are already enrolled at Emory in another status, you should also include official transcripts.
6. Original I-94. If you have any dependents, include theirs too.
7. Documentation of financial support. The amount of your financial support should be equal to your school's financial certificate. These certificates are updated each year, so if you need the latest version, please contact your school's admissions office directly. If you're receiving funding from your school, you'll need a letter stating the amount and duration of the funding, and should differentiate between tuition and stipend. If you're not receiving funding from your school, you'll need a letter from your financial institution or sponsor's bank, showing that you or your sponsor have sufficient funds to cover your expenses. Your sponsor will need to sign the financial certificate confirming that they agree to sponsor you.
8. Copies of your immigration documents. Include your certificate of eligibility, visa stamp, passport ID page, and passport expiration page (if applicable). If you have dependents who will change to F-2 status, include copies of their immigration documents, as well as copies of documents proving their relationship to you (birth certificate for children; marriage certificate for spouses). If these documents aren't in English, you'll need to get a certified translation. If you are currently in a dependent status, include copies of documents proving the primary visa holder's relationship to you (your birth certificate if you are a dependent child; your marriage certificate if you are dependent spouse), and certified translations. Please also provide copies of their immigration documents and proof that they've been maintaining their status. For example, for a parent or spouse in H-1B status, include an employment verification letter and paystubs for the past 3 months.

1. Schedule an appointment with your ISSS advisor to discuss your options for obtaining F-1 status
2. If it is determined that you will file for a change of status by submitting an I-539 to USCIS, your ISSS advisor will email you a link to the Change of Status I-20 Request e-form in ISSS Link. When completing the e-form, you'll need to upload:
   1. Passport photo page
   2. Completed financial certificate from your school. If you need a copy of your school's financial certificate, please check your school's website or contact the admissions office.
   3. Financial documentation to match total from financial certificate
   4. Most recent I-94
3. ISSS will email you when your new I-20 is ready for you to pick up and sign. If you are unable to pick up the I-20 in person, your ISSS advisor will provide you with instructions on how to have the I-20 shipped to you. 
4. Complete form I-539 and gather the required documentation for your application. Instructions for filling our your form I-539 >>
5. Send your application to the address provided in the I-539 instructions.

While your application is pending, be sure to maintain your current status.

You will need to take a few more steps to complete your application, depending on your current status.

A or G status

1. Fill out form I-566 and submit it to the US Department of State in Washington, DC through the diplomatic mission or international organization

2. After form I-566 is signed and returned to you by the Department of State, submit it with the rest of the required documents

You can begin classes while the change of status is pending, but you won't have F-1 student benefits until the change is approved.

B-1 or B-2

If you're in B-1 or B-2 status, a change of status to F-1 is usually denied if:

• You apply to change status soon after entering the US

• You have already applied to a US school before you entered as a B-1 or B-2

However, if your B-2 visa is marked "prospective student," your change of status might be approved.

B-1 or B-2 status doesn't allow for study, so you can't begin classes until the change of status is approved.

F-2

In your application, you should also include:

1. Copies of all previously issued I-20s
2. Copies of your spouse's or parent's F-1 immigration documents: I-20s, passport ID page, visa stamp, and I-94. If they are on post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), you should also include their employment authorization document (EAD card).

Your change of status has to be approved before you can begin full-time enrollment.

H-1B or H-4

In your application, you should also include:

1. Copies of all previously issued forms I-797 showing H status

2. A letter from your H-1B employer confirming your current employment

3. Your 3 most recent pay stubs

4. For H-4, copies of your spouse's or parent's H-1B immigration documents: passport, I-94, I-797, and 3 most recent pay stubs

If you are in H-1B status, you'll need to stop working once the change to F-1 status takes place.

You can begin classes while the change of status is pending, but you won't have F-1 student benefits until the change is approved.

J-1 or J-2

In your application, you should also include:

1. Copies of all previously issued DS-2019 forms
2. For J-2, copies of your spouse's or parent's J-1 immigration documents: DS-2019 forms, passport, visa stamp, and I-94

You can begin classes while the change of status is pending, but you won't have F-1 student benefits until the change is approved.

If you are subject to the 2-year home country physical presence requirement, you can't apply for a change of status unless you've received a waiver from the State Department.