National Immigration Services
An Immigration Law Firm

MyVisa.com

Changing status to F-1 student status 

You first must apply to study at an INS-approved school in the United States. When you contact a school that you are interested in attending, you should be told immediately if the school accepts foreign national students. If you are accepted, the school should send you INS Form I-20 A-B/IID (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - for Academic and Language Students). You must submit this form and an INS Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) to the INS. Be aware that processing may take several months. As such, it may be better to leave the U.S. and then reenter using the I-20 issued to you from the school’s designated school officer. You must also prove that you have the financial resources required for your education and stay in the United States.