Change of Status to F-1 or J-1 Status

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. Please consult with a Slutzker Center advisor before filing your change of status application.

  1. Form I-539: "Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status"
  2. Application fee of $300;Check should be payable to the "USCIS". Write the 11-digit "admission number" from your I-94 on the front of the check.
  3. A cover letter from you addressed to the USCIS requesting the change of status and explaining your circumstances. Include why you entered the U.S. in your current status, why and how your intentions changed after arrival in the U.S. and any other relevant information. (sample)
  4. Proof of financial support (bank statement, assistantship letter, etc.) equivalent to one year of study including living expenses. (See financial worksheet--SU or
    ESF)
  5. A newly-issued Form I-20 or DS 2019 from the Slutzker Center. (You will have to submit a I-20 or DS-2019 request form, provide proof of funding (step 4), and proof of acceptance into program (if applicable).
  6. SEVIS Fee Receipt (pay online)
  7. A letter of acceptance from the School or Program you are entering (if applicable).
  8. Photocopies of the following pages of your passport:
    - ID page (with your picture on it)
    - Date of expiration page
    - The visa page of your passport
  9. A photocopy of your I-94 card (front and back) or your original I-94 card
  10. Photocopies of your current immigration document showing government approval of your status, for example:
    -If you are currently in H-1B or L-1 status, your I-797 approval notice -If you are currently in F-2 status, your Dependent I-20
    -If you are currently in J-2 status, your Dependent DS-2019
  11. If your application involves dependents (e.g., spouse, children) or is a change to a dependent status, you should include a copy the following documents:
    - your dependent(s): I-20 or
    DS-2019, visa, passport, and
    I-94 (front and back).
    - Proof of relationship (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certicates of children)

Please make a photocopy of your entire application and supporting documents for your files before sending them to the USCIS.

Vermont Service Center filing covers the following states:
AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MS, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, Puerto Rico, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, U.S. Virgin Islands, WV and the District of Columbia.

The address for Vermont Service Center filings is:
  USCIS Vermont Service Center
  ATTN: I-539
  75 Lower Welden Street
  St. Albans, VT 05479

When you receive a response from the USCIS, please report the outcome to the Slutzker Center for International Services (SCIS). Send or bring a photocopy of your I-20 or DS-2019, I-797 "Approval Notice" and new I-94 card to the SCIS.