INSTRUCTIONS

A petition for change of status must be filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Vermont Service Center in St. Albans, Vermont. Some changes may be more difficult than others. To apply for a change of status you will need the following documentation. It is recommended that you consult with a Slutzker Center advisor.

1. A letter of request for a change of status (see sample format)

2. A completed Form I-539 along with a separate sheet, preferably computer generated or typed in response to question (3.f.)

3. Proof of financial support (bank statement, assistantship letter, other)

4. Proof of health insurance coverage

5. As appropriate, the letter of acceptance from the School or Program you are entering.

6. Photocopies of the following pages of your passport:

a) the ID page of the passport (with your picture on it)

b) the date of expiration page of the passport (if separate from the ID page)

c) the visa page of your passport

d) your I-94 card (front and back)

7. A check for $195.00 made payable to the USCIS. Write your Sevis ID number on the lower left memo line of the check.

8. If you are married, you may also need a copy the following documents:

• your spouses I-20 or DS 2019, visa, passport, and I-94.

• your marriage certificate

9. The Slutzker Center will provide a Form I-20 or DS 2019, which you will need to sign.

10. Once your documentation is complete, set an appointment to come in to review your documents with an advisor. The advisor will check the documents, add a cover letter, strongly recommend that you copy the documents in case they are lost in the mail, and direct you to send the documents to USCIS Vermont via certified mail.

Back to top