The F-1 or J-1 student status is appropriate if you plan to pursue full-time studies in the United States. If you are currently in the United States on a non-immigrant visa classification, you may change to F-1 or J-1 student status by travel or by filing an application with the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services [USCIS].
The information below is general overview of the options. We recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney to advise you on the best option for you based on your current status and individual circumstances.
Know the Requirements of your Current Visa Status
If you are currently in F-2 status: An individual in F-2 status may only enroll in less than full-time study. Once your F-1or J-1 status is approved, you will be required to enroll full-time.
If you are currently in B-1/B-2 status: if you are in B-1/B-2 status you are not allowed to be “enrolled in a course of study” until you gain F-1 or J-1 status.
If you are currently in any other visa status: be sure you follow any requirements and restrictions of your current status.
If you currently or in the past been on J status: If you are subject to the J visa two-year home residency requirement, you are not able to file an application for a change of status with USCIS.
Options for a Getting an F-1 or J-1 Student Visa
Traveling Outside of the U.S. – Applying for a Visa at the U.S. Consulate
You may obtain a new visa status by leaving the United States, applying for a new visa and re-entering in F-1 or J-1 student status.
You will need to do the following:
- Request an I-20/DS-2019 document by completing the Requesting New Visa Status form.
- If you are a newly admitted student, you will request your visa document through the new student process.
- The UCI International Center will create a record for you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and issue you an I-20 or DS-2019 visa document.
- Once you receive your new visa document from the International Center, you will pay the SEVIS fee.
- Schedule a visa appointment with a U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for the student visa.
- At your visa appointment follow the instructions for documents needed by the U.S. Consulate. Generally, you will need your new visa document, financial documents to prove that you can support your studies; demonstrate a close connection to your home country; and proof of your enrollment at UCI for continuing students or admissions letter for new students.
- Once you obtain your new visa and you return to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 student status, you will need to complete the International Center Visa Check-In: iNavigateUCI.
No Travel – Filing a Change of Visa Status Application with USCIS
To change your visa status by filing a change of status application with USCIS we recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney.
You will need to do the following:
- Request an I-20/DS-2019 document by completing the Requesting New Visa Status form.
- If you are a newly admitted student, you will request your visa document through the new student process.
- Complete Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status and all supporting documents and fee.
- You can track the processing of the application on the USCIS website. There are currently long processing times for the I-539 application.
- Maintain your UCI SEVIS Record updated. To keep this updated you will need to do the following:
- Provide the International Center with a copy of your Receipt Notice from USCIS.
- Update the International Center with the status of your change of status application. At the end of week 2 of each quarter if you do not receive your approval notice, you must request that the UCI International Center update your SEVIS record and defer the start date of the I-20 or DS-2019 to the next available quarter.
- Read e-mail message from the International Center, and respond if additional inforamtion is requested from you to keep your SEVIS record valid.
After you receive your Approval Notice:
- You must report your approval to the International Center by sending an e-mail to internationalcenter@uci.edu.
- You will need to complete the International Center Visa Check-In: iNavigateUCI.
- Be aware that only your visa status has changed. You will still be required to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa if you need to leave the U.S. and re-enter.
A New Visa Status and your California Residency
A new visa status may have an impact on your residency status for California and the amount of tuition. You should review the information on the University Registrar website. The International Center cannot answer questions about California residency. Questions about residency requirements must be directed to UCI Residence Officer, regres@uci.edu or (949) 824-6124.
Resources:
Department of State Applying for a Visa