Change of Status

Students who are currently in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa and want to study full-time can apply to Harper College for an I-20 document. For additional information, please read the prospective F-1 student letter.

The student must then request a "change of status" to F-1 from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by submitting the following documents:

USCIS Form I-539 with $300.00 processing fee. The I-539 form can be downloaded from the USCIS web site
Affidavit of Support
Copies of bank and employer letters
Copy of passport
A letter explaining that the visa which the student initially entered on was appropriate at that time and why new status is needed.
Current I-94 card
Original I-20 Form
Proof of SEVIS payment (See below)

A SEVIS fee payment is required. Before a student can apply for an F-1 visa or a change of status, he/she must make arrangements to pay the $200 SEVIS fee. For current information, instructions, and fee payment procedures, visit the website: www.ice.gov/sevis/i901.

USCIS officers strictly review each request for a change of non-immigrant status. There is no guarantee that the request will be approved. You may discuss your situation with the International Student Coordinator and/or you may seek legal advice from an attorney.

The change of status request forms are sent to:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box 660166
Dallas, TX 75266

For more information on the "B" visa go to the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) USCIS website

Change of Status

Questions?