Change of Status to F-1

Updated 08/28/2025

Students currently in the United States on certain non-immigrant visa types who wish to study at USC as an F-1 student have two options to obtain F-1 status. Before beginning this process, students are required to meet with an OIS advisor to review eligibility and next steps.

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Option 1: Submit COS Application to USCIS

This option requires admitted students to file an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539) with USCIS while physically in the United States. Eligibility requirements for a Change of Status can be reviewed on the USCIS website. Current USCIS processing times are approximately 4.5 months, depending on the Service Center handling the application.

The USC Office of Graduate Admissions (GA) will issue a Change of Status (COS) I-20 for the upcoming semester at USC. After receiving the COS I-20, students must follow- up with an OIS Advisor during OIS Drop-in Advising to review the required documents for their USCIS application. While there is no fee for the COS I-20 itself, students are responsible for the mandatory USCIS filing fee and SEVIS I-901 fee.

Please note: Receiving a COS I-20 from USC does not change a student’s status to F-1. Students must file Form I-539 with USCIS, submit all supporting documents and optain formal approval before their status is changed.

Depending on the student’s current visa 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.

USCIS Policy Update on Discretion and Social Media Vetting

USCIS has expanded the use of social media review in certain immigration applications. Student’s online activity may be considered as part of USCIS’ vetting process. Officers will conduct a closer review of a student’s immigration history and compliance with U.S. laws. Promoting or supporting anti-American or antisemitic views will be considered serious negative factors and may lead to a denial of the application. The new policy is effective August 19, 2025 and applies to both pending requests and those filed on or after August 19, 2025.

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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., apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. embassy and re-enter with their USC I-20 and F-1 visa. Students are required to:

  1. Depart the U.S. with an “Initial Attendance” I-20 issued by USC Graduate Admissions (GA).
  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
  5. Complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) in Trojan International

This option automatically changes the student’s status to F-1 upon entry to the U.S. The length of this process 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, once they re-enter the U.S. and successfully complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV), students can register for classes and receive paid assistantships or on-campus employment.

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COS I-20 Request Process

Newly Admitted Students:

  1. If you have been admitted to USC for an upcoming semester, choose one of the COS options above.
    -For either Options 1 or 2, please join OIS live to meet with a Senior International Student Advisor and complete the New F-1 Student Request in Trojan International.
  2. The Office of Graduate Admissions (GA) will process the New F-1 Student Request upon receipt of their proof of funding as well as OIS’ approval.

The Graduate Admissions Office’s typical processing time for I-20 issuance is 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.

Continuing USC student (admitted to USC for a prior semester) on a different visa status (e.g. H-4, L-2, E-2, etc.):

  1. If you are a continuing student at USC, choose one of the COS options above.
  2. Then join OIS Drop In Advising to meet with a Senior International Student Advisor and complete the COS to F-1 Student Request.
  3. 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.

OIS’ processing time for the COS I-20 is 10 business days, if all the proper documents have been submitted. Once the COS 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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