Change of Status to F-1
Students currently in the United States on certain nonimmigrant visa types who wish to study at USC as F-1 students have two options for obtaining F-1 status. Before beginning this process, students must meet with an OIS advisor to review eligibility and next steps.
Option 1: Submit COS Application to USCIS
This option requires admitted/active 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 (COS) can be found on the USCIS website. Current USCIS processing times are approximately four and a half months, depending on the service center handling the 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.
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 obtain 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.
-
F-2 status holders are eligible to enroll in part-time studies (degree, avocational or recreational) in the United States, but they cannot receive any paid assistantships or authorization for on-campus employment until the Change of Status (COS) has been approved.
PhD students and students admitted to programs that require full-time enrollment at the beginning of the academic program should consult with their academic advisor to update their semester of admission if needed.
For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website.
-
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.
-
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 depends on employment, they should maintain employment until the change of status is approved.
There is no grace period for H-1B status holders terminated from their jobs. Even with a COS case pending, termination of employment can affect immigration status and the COS application.
-
According to a new policy effective Aug. 19, 2025, USCIS may now review students’ online activity and social media as part of its vetting process. Officers will also conduct a close 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 a student’s COS application.
This policy applies to both pending requests and those filed on or after Aug. 19, 2025.
Option 2: Travel and Reenter the United States in F-1 Student Status
This option requires students to depart the United States, apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate and reenter with their USC Form I-20 and F-1 visa in time for the first day of classes.
Students who choose this option will:
- Depart the United States with an “Initial Attendance” Form I-20.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement.
- Reenter the United States in F-1 status by the program start date printed on their Form I-20.
- Complete Immigration Status Verification in Trojan International.
This option automatically changes the student’s status to F-1 upon entry to the United States. The length of this process varies depending on the student’s departure date from the United States and the processing time for the F-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. However, once they reenter the United States and successfully complete Immigration Status Verification, students can register for classes and receive paid assistantships or on-campus employment.
How to Request a Change of Status I-20
-
Students who have been admitted to USC for an upcoming semester and have not yet begun their program should follow the steps below.
Step 1: Meet with an OIS Advisor
Join the OIS drop-in office hours to meet with an advisor to discuss eligibility requirements and determine which COS option is the best. Options may be limited based on the timing of admission.
Step 2: Choose a Change of Status Option
Choose one of the Change of Status (COS) options above and inform the OIS advisor.
Step 3: Complete the New F-1 Student Request
Complete the New F-1 Student Request in Trojan International, USC’s immigration services portal.
Step 4: Wait for the USC Graduate Admission Office to Process the Request
The USC Graduate Admission office will process the New F-1 Student Request upon receiving the student’s proof of funding and OIS’s approval.
The USC Graduate Admission office typically takes one week to issue a COS I-20 if a student submits all the proper financial statements.
Once the USC Graduate Admission office issues the I-20, students cannot change the type of I-20 they receive unless there is a sufficient reason. Please contact the USC Graduate Admission office with any questions about I-20 issuance.
Step 5: Submit COS Application to USCIS or Travel and Reenter the United States in F-1 Status
If you are unable to reenter the United States or change your status to F-1 by the program start date printed on your I-20, you must inform OIS immediately so that we can update your SEVIS record accordingly.
-
Students who were admitted to USC for a prior semester and have already begun their program on a different visa status, such as H-4, L-2 or E-2, should follow the steps below.
Step 1: Meet with an OIS Advisor
Join the OIS drop-in office hours to meet with an advisor to discuss eligibility requirements and determine which COS option is the best choice. Options may be limited depending on the expiration date of the student’s current nonimmigrant visa status.
Step 2: Choose a Change of Status Option
Choose one of the Change of Status (COS) options above and inform the OIS advisor.
Step 3: Complete the COS to F-1 Student Request
Complete the COS to F-1 Student Request in Trojan International, USC’s immigration services portal. The form requires you to upload proof of funding Once you submit your request, it will automatically be routed to your academic advisor for verification of your eligibility to resume your academic program and determine the expected graduation date to determine the appropriate program duration on the I-20.
Step 4: Wait for OIS to Process the Request
OIS will process the COS I-20 upon approval of the COS form from your current academic advisor.
OIS takes 10 business days to issue a COS I-20 if a student submits all the proper documents.
Once OIS issues the COS I-20, students cannot change the type of I-20 they receive unless there is a sufficient reason to do so. Please contact OIS with any questions about I-20 issuance.
Step 5: Submit COS Application to USCIS or Travel and Reenter the United States in F-1 Status
If you are unable to reenter the United States or change your status to F-1 by the program start date printed on your I-20, you must inform OIS immediately so that we can update your SEVIS record accordingly.