Change of Status to F-1

Option 1: Students may TRAVEL outside of the US, after obtaining an NJIT Form I-20, in order to attend an F-1 Visa Interview and re-enter the US in F-1 status.

• Incoming NJIT students (have not already begun coursework with the university) must inform the Office of Admissions of their plans to change immigration status.
• Current/continuing students (have already begun coursework with NJIT) on a different immigration status should follow the instructions provided below to submit a request for a "Change of Status" form I-20.

1. Current NJIT students must submit, via the online Request Form (must be logged in with your NJIT email address and account)
   1. The Application for the Form I-20 to OGI.
   2. The NJIT financial statement and proof of sufficient funding for each source of financial support
   3. A copy of the biographical page of your passport
   4. A copy of your current visa
   5. Most recent I-94
   6. If your spouse or child(ren) will be your dependents in the U.S., submit all required documents for adding a dependant to your SEVIS record.
2. After receiving the new Form I-20, students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and print the receipt.
3. Schedule and attend a visa appointment at the U.S. consulate or embassy outside of the US.
4. After receiving the F1 visa stamp, students are able to reenter the U.S. with the Form I-20 and F-1 visa.
5. Submit a copy of the newest I-94 record and F1 visa stamp with entry stamps to Global@Njit.edu after entering the US with their F1 Visa and Form I-20,

Option 2: Students may apply to USCIS for a CHANGE OF STATUS if they are unable to travel, or have no upcoming travel plans. For more information on changing your status within the U.S., read below.

• The current processing time with USCIS for change of status applications is 8-15 months. 
• Change of status applications are considered "abandoned" by USCIS if the applicant departs the U.S. while the application is pending.
• A change of status approval from USCIS will grant the individual the new status, and eligibility for benefits of that status, for the duration of time listed on the I797C Approval notice, or, until the individual departs the U.S.
  • If the individual departs the U.S., then they will need to obtain an F1 Visa stamp from a US embassy abroad in order to re-enter the U.S. in F1 Status.

You may be able to change your immigration status without departing the U.S. if:

• You are maintaining your current status.
• You are eligible for the new F-1 status.
• Your current status does not prohibit change of status in the U.S.

Generally, individuals are not eligible to change status if your period of authorized stay has already expired, or if you have otherwise violated the conditions of your current status. Applying for a change of status with USCIS under these conditions will most likely result in a denial of your application.

The OGI recommends that all students with pending change of status applications with USCIS follow the guidelines for full time enrollment for F1 Students during the time their applications are pending. Students may review full time enrollment requirements HERE. 

There could be other restrictions as well, such as individuals admitted under the Visa Waiver Program. Contact an international adviser for more information.

If you are planning to change your status to F-1, you may wish to make an appointment with an international student adviser to discuss your options and next steps. To do so, email global@njit.edu for more information. 

STEP 1: Request an I-20 form. Processing time is 7 business days.

• Incoming NJIT students (have not already begun coursework with the university) must inform the Office of Admissions of their plans to change immigration status, so their admission records may be updated.
• Current/continuing students (have already begun coursework with NJIT) on a different immigration status should follow the instructions provided below to submit a request for a "Change of Status" form I-20.

Students willing to obtain a Change of Status Form I-20 must submit, via the online Request Form (must be logged in with your NJIT email address and account)

1. The Change of Status Form.
2. A copy of your admission letter (if an incoming NJIT student)
3. The NJIT financial statement 
4. Proof of sufficient funding for each source of financial support
5. A copy of the biographical page of your passport
6. A copy of your current visa
7. Most recent I-94
8. **If your spouse or child(ren) will be your dependents in the U.S., you also submit copies of their passports, as well as proof of financial support.

STEP 2: Submit your completed application to USCIS.

• The OGI will email you your Change of Status Form I-20 once your application has been reviewed and approved.
• Students are responsible for submitting their application to USCIS for their change of status.
• USCIS can take more than 6+ months to process a change of status application.
• Your current immigration status must remain valid during the processing time.

​Students should follow the instructions provided by USCIS when submitting their application for a change of immigration status, however, you will likely be required to submit the following documents:

1. Form I-539
2. Filing fee: check or money order made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
3. Form G-1145 (optional) if you would like to receive an electronic receipt that your application was received.
4. Copy of valid and properly signed Form I-20: Don’t forget to sign your new I-20. Submit a copy and keep the original form.
5. Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee: go to https://www.fmjfee.com to pay and print your receipt.
6. Copy of Form I-94
7. Copies of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, and passport ID pages.
8. Copies of financial support documents: use the same kind of financial support information used to obtain an F-1 visa.
9. Dependent family member documentation: if dependent family members currently in the U.S. plan to change their status as well, their information should be included in Form I-539, they should each be issued SEVIS dependent I-20s, and documentation showing the validity of their current immigration status, including their Forms I-94, should be included.
10. Letter from the student explaining why he or she wants to change status to F-1. (Optional) A strong letter can help convince USCIS of the student's temporary intent as well as persuade USCIS that the student did not have a pre-conceived intention to study in the U.S.

Your letter to USCIS is very important to this application; this is your chance to explain to the government why you decided to change your status. This information is meant to serve as guide; you may or may not use these suggestions to write your letter.

Your letter does not need to be long or complicated; it can be divided into 3 main paragraphs:

Paragraph 1: Explain why you came to the U.S. and what you have been doing since you arrived.

Paragraph 2: Explain why you want to change your status to F-1 or F-2 (dependent).

Paragraph 3: Explain the reason you will be returning to your home country after completion of your studies or your spouse/parent’s studies if you are changing status to F-2. If you were employed back home, explain how your studies will affect returning to that employment. If you were not employed back home, describe how your studies in the U.S. will help prepare you for a career back home (this is not applicable to changes to F-2 status).

You must mail your application package to the USCIS Service Center having jurisdiction over the district of your residence. Use a receipt-based mailing option such as certified mail, so that there will be evidence that the documents were received by USCIS. Make a copy of your entire application before you submit it.

For instructions on how to submit a change of status application to USCIS, refer to their website.