Change of Status to F-1

Updated 04/01/2024

Students must meet with an OIS advisor to file a Change of Status (COS). They have two options to choose from before requesting COS I-20 from Graduate Admissions or OIS, depending on the situation.

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Option 1: Submit COS Application to USCIS

This option requires students to file a COS within the U.S. The USCIS processing time ranges from 11-23 months depending on the Service Center adjudicating the application. The Office of Graduate Admissions (GA) will issue a “Change of Status” I-20 for this option and due to processing times, the earliest I-20 start date will be set for summer 2024. Once the student receives the I-20, they must make an appointment with an OIS international student advisor to review the required documents for USCIS application. Although there is no fee for I-20 processing with USC, there is a required USCIS fee and SEVIS I-901 fee.

Simply obtaining the I-20 does not change a student’s status to F-1. Students must submit their COS application packet to USCIS and receive COS approval. If you intend to submit an I-539 online, please ensure that you check your eligibility first.

Depending on the student’s current status, enrollment at USC prior to the change of status approval may be affected in the following ways:

  • Individuals on F-2 Status: F-2 status holders are eligible to enroll in part-time studies (degree, avocational, or recreational) in the U.S but they cannot receive any paid assistantships or on-campus employment work authorizations until the COS has been approved. For this reason if you are a Ph.D. student, an admission and start of degree program for the spring 2024 semester will not be possible. Please consult with your academic department to update your admission to either summer or fall 2024.  For students who are admitted to a program that requires full-time enrollment at the beginning of the academic program, please consult with your academic advisor to update your admission to either summer or fall 2024. For more information, please visit the Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website.
  • Individuals on H-4, L-2, R-2 Statuses: These students can register for classes while the COS is pending but cannot receive any paid assistantships or on-campus work authorizations until the COS has been approved.
  • Individuals on H-1B Status: H-1B status holders can register for classes while the COS is pending but cannot receive any assistantships/funding or on-campus work authorizations until the COS is approved. In addition, as the student’s current status is dependent upon employment, they should maintain employment until the change of status has been approved. There is no grace period for H-1B status holders if terminated from their job. Even with a COS case pending, termination of employment can affect immigration status and the COS application.
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Option 2: Travel and Re-enter the U.S. in F-1 Student Status

This option requires students to depart the U.S. and re-enter in F-1 student status. The student is required to:

  1. Depart the U.S. with an “Initial Attendance” I-20 issued from Graduate Admissions (GA) office
  2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
  3. Apply for F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad (Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement)
  4. Re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status

This procedure automatically changes the student’s status to F-1 upon entry to the U.S. The length of this procedure varies depending upon the student’s departure date from the U.S. and the processing time for the F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad. However, applicants can register for classes and receive paid assistantships or on-campus employment immediately after re-entering the U.S. in F-1 status.

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COS I-20 Request Process

New admit to USC:

  1. If you are a new admit to USC, choose one of the COS options above.
    -If you decide Option 1, please join OIS live to meet with an ISA 2 and complete the New F-1 Student Request.
    -If you decide Option 2, please join OIS live to meet with an ISA 2 and complete the complete the New F-1 Student Request.
  2. The Office of Graduate Admissions (GA) will process the I-20 upon OIS approval of the COS as well as submission of the appropriate financial documents to the Office of GA.

Processing time for the I-20 normally takes one week, if all the proper financial statements have been submitted. Once the I-20 is issued, students cannot change the type of I-20 they receive unless there is a sufficient reason to do so. Please contact the GA Office for questions regarding the I-20 issuance.

Currently enrolled student at USC on a different visa status (e.g. H-4, L-2, E-2, etc.):

  1. If you are a currently enrolled student at USC, choose one of the COS options above.
    -If you decide Option 1, please join OIS live to meet with an ISA 2 and complete the COS to F-1 Student Request.
    -If you decide Option 2, please join OIS live to meet with an ISA 2 and complete the complete the COS to F-1 Student Request.
  2. OIS will process the COS I-20 upon approval of the COS form from your current academic advisor as well as submission of the appropriate financial documents.

Processing time for the I-20 normally takes 10 business days, if all the proper documents have been submitted. Once the I-20 is issued, students cannot change the type of I-20 they receive unless there is a sufficient reason to do so. Please contact OIS for questions regarding the I-20 issuance.

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