Change of Immigration Status

You may obtain F-1 or J-1 status by traveling outside the United States, applying for F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate (if required), and returning to the United States under F-1 or J-1 status.

Before traveling:

1. Contact CGPS to discuss your situation and the timing of your request.
2. Submit the Request for an F-1 I-20/J-1 DS-2019 form to CGPS.
3. Pay the required SEVIS I-901 fee after receiving your I-20 or DS-2019.
4. Apply for and receive an F-1 or J-1 visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate, if required.
5. Enter the United States using your F-1 or J-1 immigration documents.
6. Review your electronic I-94 record to confirm that you were admitted in F/J status.
7. Complete ISSS Government Check-in or any other steps as needed to activate your F-1 or J-1 SEVIS status.

Depending on their current nonimmigrant status, some individuals may be eligible to change to F-1 or J-1 status without leaving the United States by applying for a change of status with USCIS.

Not all nonimmigrant classifications are eligible to change status within the United States, and additional restrictions may apply in certain circumstances, including J-1/J-2 exchange visitors subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement.

Please note that application eligibility, timing, and permitted activities (study and employment) vary depending on an individual's current immigration status; contact CGPS before beginning the change of status process.
 

Requesting an I-20 or DS-2019 from CGPS

If you plan to apply for a change of status to F-1 or J-1 within the United States:

1. Contact CGPS to discuss your eligibility and the timing of your request.
2. Complete the CGPS F-1 I-20/J-1 DS-2019 application.
3. CGPS will issue an I-20 or DS-2019 for your change of status request.
4. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee after receiving your I-20 or DS-2019.
5. Review the current USCIS filing requirements and submit your application to USCIS.

For information on the USCIS application and process, visit the USCIS Change of Status to F or M Student Status webpage and the USCIS Form I-539 webpage. If you need individualized guidance regarding your eligibility, supporting documentation, or preparation and filing of your application, we recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney.

Your ability to study or work while a change of status application is pending may depend on your current immigration status and the status you are requesting.

For example, individuals changing from F-2 status must wait for the F-1 status approval before beginning a full course of study. Employment in F-1 status, including on-campus employment or a graduate assistantship, is not permitted until the change to F-1 status has been approved and F-1 employment eligibility requirements have been met.

Please contact CGPS to discuss your ability to study or work while your application is pending.

Spouses and unmarried children of F-1 or J-1 students who are under 21 years old may be eligible for F-2 or J-2 dependent status. 

F-2 or J-2 status may be obtained by traveling outside the United States and returning in dependent status or by submitting a change of status application to USCIS from within the United States, if eligible.

If the F-1 or J-1 student's SEVIS record is maintained by the University of Delaware, CGPS can provide information about requesting an F-2 or J-2 dependent I-20 or DS-2019. F-1/J-1 students with dependents planning to enroll at another institution should contact CGPS to discuss whether F-2/J-2 status with UD is appropriate or whether their dependent should request their own F-1/J-1 status through the institution they plan to attend.

Study and employment rules differ between F-2 and J-2 status. For additional information, visit the CGPS Families & Dependents website.