Change of Status

Changing Visa Status Within the U.S.:
To change from one visa status to another within the U.S., the following documentation must be sent to USCIS:

• A cashier's check or money order for $195 payable to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
• I-539 form (you must include your middle name if you have one)
• A letter explaining your reasons for changing status
• The Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 form) produced for this purpose/application, with two additional photocopies of the entire document
• Original I-94 card
• Photocopies of your identity, expiry, and U.S. visa stamp pages from your passport
• Photocopies of any previously issued I-20(if you now hold F-1 status)
• Evidence of financial support for your continued stay

Additional documentation required if changing to or from F-2 status:

• Photocopies of spouse's current I-20/ form and I-94 card
• A photocopy of spouse's passport identity/expiry page(s)
• Proof of your familial relationship, such as: a certified copy of your marriage license, or birth certificate

Optional documentation:

•  Transcripts from U.S. universities you have attended in F-1 student status

Special considerations:

• An F-2 visa holder changing to F-1 status should not begin a program of study prior to obtaining the approval for the change of status from BCIS
• After making copies for your records, mail all items certified with return receipt to the following address:
  United States Citizenship and Immigration Service
  Nebraska Service Center
  P.O. Box 87539
  Lincoln, NE 68501-7539

I-20s must be signed and dated on pages 1 at number 11; send pages 1-3 to USCIS.