Overview
F-1 student status is appropriate if you intend to pursue full-time studies in the United States. If you are currently in the United States as a temporary worker, diplomat, exchange visitor or any other non-immigrant classification EXCEPT Visitor in WT or WB status and need to change to F-1 student status, follow the procedures indicated below. If you plan to travel home before beginning your studies, you will not need to change status in the United States. You can apply for the F-1 visa stamp in your home country and reenter the United States in F-1 status using your I-20 from Roger Williams University. You must let admissions know whether you intend to change status in the United States or travel outside of the United States before you begin your program of study.

Eligibility
In general, non-immigrants who are maintaining lawful status may apply for change of status to F-1.  Exceptions: Non-immigrants subject to the Section 212 (e) two-year home residency requirement are ineligible to apply. Those in WT or WB are also ineligible. Those in F-2, B-1 or B-2 status are eligible to apply for a change of status but cannot enroll in classes until the change of status has been approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Procedure
On your I-20 request form submitted to admissions, indicate that you will change status in the United States. After you are admitted and all of your documents are received by admissions, Roger Williams University will issue you an initial I-20 indicating that a change of status has been requested. You will apply directly to the USCIS. 

Applying

These are the materials you need for a completed application:

• A completed Form I-539, downloadable from www.uscis.gov.
• Photocopies of both sides of your current I-94 card and photocopies of the I-94 cards of any dependents who are changing with you.  
• Your new original Form I-20 from Roger Williams University, signed on the bottom of page 1 in blue ink. 
• Copies of financial documents showing funding converted into US dollars for at least one full year of study.
• Photocopy of your passport identification page; do not send your passport to the USCIS.
• Photocopies of other relevant documents showing previous and current status (e.g. parent’s I-20 and I-94 cards for F-2s; H-1B receipt).
• A bank check or money order payable to the Department of Homeland Security for the required $300fee. USCIS does not accept cash.
• Proof of SEVIS fee payment for the required amount of $200. This fee can be paid on-line by completing Form I-901 at https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml.

A letter explaining why you are requesting the change of status. This is extremely important: your letter should clearly explain your current status (when and why you entered the country), your plans and motivations for study at Roger Williams University, your funding source(s) and your intention to return home. Keep in mind that F-1 status is a non-immigrant classification. This means that you must indicate, and in certain cases may be required to document, that you continue to maintain ties to your home country--whether in the form of a residence, an expected job offer or continuing family ties.

It is not unusual for the USCIS to request documentation regarding your ties to your home country, and you should be prepared to provide such documentation. The Intercultural Center can review your letter before you send it in.
 
Your letter must include the following information if you are requesting a change of status from:
H-1 - You should give your dates of employment under H-1 and the date of registration at Roger Williams University. Also include a copy of the I-797, your 3 most recent pay stubs, and other documentation establishing that you were in and maintained valid H-1 status.

The USCIS must receive your change of status application no later than the day you terminate your H-1 employment, as there is no "grace period" for those in H-1 status. Your status as an H-1 terminates the day you leave your H-1 employer.

A or G - Before filing for a change of status, you must first file Form I-566 with either the Department of State or the Office of Host Country Affairs at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations within 10 days of the completion of your A or G employment. Only after the I-566 has been approved and returned to you are you eligible to file a change of status application with the USCIS.

J-1 or J-2 - You cannot change to F-1 in the U.S. if you are subject to Section 212(e), also known as the "two-year home residency requirement", unless you have received a recommendation for a waiver of the requirement from the Department of State.

Once completed, mail your application to the USCIS. You may ask the Intercultural Center to review your application and make suggestions. Photocopy your application and send it by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the USCIS Service Center that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. If you live in the New England area, mail your application to:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden St.
Saint Albans, Vermont 05479

If you do not reside in the New England area, you can find the appropriate mailing address on the USCIS website. Your application for change of status should be received by the USCIS during the 30-day period prior to your program start date. When the USCIS receives your application, it will deposit your payment of the fee and mail you a Form I-797 Notice of Receipt with your assigned case number.

You can check the status of your application by calling the phone number on the bottom of the I-797 or on-line at https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp and entering your case number.

After You Submit the Application

Please inform the Intercultural Center when you file your change of status, so that we can keep your record updated. Your obligations while a change of status is being adjudicated are as follows:

• Report to the Intercultural Center when you arrive at Roger Williams University. 
• Provide the IC with any documents you receive from the USCIS, including the notice of receipt of your application and notice of approval of your change of status when it has been adjudicated. 
• Maintain full-time enrollment (except for B-1/B-2 and F-2 visa holders. You may not enroll in classes until after the change of status has been approved).
• Report any address changes within 10 days.

Special Considerations
If you are in lawful status and decide to change to F-1 status by applying to the USCIS, you remain in lawful status until you receive your reply from the USCIS. However, you do not have the privileges of student status (working on campus, applying for practical training, etc.) until the change is approved. When the USCIS has made a decision, they will send you a Form I-797 Notice of Action.

If your application is approved, the I-797 will include a new I-94 card, and the I-20 will be returned to you. You should bring these to the Intercultural Center as soon as you receive them. Note that the USCIS can take up to 6 months to process a change of status application. If you do not receive a reply within 6 months, contact the Intercultural Center for assistance.

If you leave the U.S. after you have obtained the change of status, you must obtain an F-1 visa stamp at a U.S. embassy or consulate before your return to the U.S. See Applying for the F or J Visa for information on applying for an F-1 visa.

If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact the Intercultural Center, 401-254-3121.