Required documents for changing status by application

If you are changing status by application, please prepare all of the following materials based on your new visa type. If you are applying for a visa type that is not listed below, please refer to the USCIS website for specific requirements.

Changing to F-1 status

  • Completed Form I-539
  • Filing fee: $420 for online filing or $470 for paper filing (check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”)
  • Copy of I-94 record
  • Copy of passport photo ID and expiration date page(s)
  • Copy of I-20 issued by the school where you will study
  • Evidence of current immigration status in the U.S.
  • Evidence of adequate funding
  • Receipt documenting you have paid the SEVIS fee
  • Any additional evidence necessary for secondary applicants, such as dependents’ passport and I-94 copies

Changing to F-2 status

  • Completed Form I-539
  • Filing fee: $420 for online filing or $470 for paper filing (check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”)
  • Copy of I-94 record
  • Copy of passport photo ID and expiration date page(s)
  • Copy of dependent I-20 (request an I-20 to add a dependent)
  • Copy of F-1 student’s I-20
  • Proof of relationship to F-1 student (e.g., marriage license, birth certificate)
  • Evidence of current immigration status in the U.S.
  • Evidence of adequate funding

Changing to J-1 status

  • Completed Form I-539
  • Filing fee: $420 for online filing or $470 for paper filing (check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”)
  • Copy of I-94 record
  • Copy of passport photo ID and expiration date page(s)
  • Copy of DS-2019 issued by the school where you will study
  • Evidence of current immigration status in the U.S.
  • Evidence of adequate funding
  • Receipt documenting you have paid the SEVIS fee
  • Any additional evidence necessary for secondary applicants, such as dependents’ passport and I-94 copies

Changing to J-2 status

  • Completed Form I-539
  • Filing fee: $420 for online filing or $470 for paper filing (check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”)
  • Copy of I-94 record
  • Copy of passport photo ID and expiration date page(s)
  • Copy of dependent DS-2019 (request a DS-2019 to add a dependent)
  • Copy of J-1 student’s DS-2019
  • Proof of relationship to J-1 student (e.g., marriage license, birth certificate)
  • Evidence of current immigration status in the U.S.
  • Evidence of adequate funding