Change of Status: H-1B or H-4 to F-1 Student

Source: https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/immigration-information/change-status/change-status-h-1b-or-h-4-f-1-student Parent: https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/immigration-information/change-status

To change your status while in the United States from an H-1B temporary specialty worker or H-4 worker dependent to an F-1 student, you will need to be admitted to a full-time academic program and be issued an I-20 for that program. You must also be in the United States in valid H-1B/H-4 status when you request this change.\

Valid reason for change

As an H-1B/H-4, you are able to attend school part-time or full-time, providing (for H-1Bs) it does not interfere with your primary purpose of working in the United States. You will therefore need a valid reason for requesting the change to F-1, such as:

• An offer of a graduate student assistantship by the school you will attend
• A written request from your sponsor requesting your change to F-1
• Your H-1B/H-4 status is expiring, and/or you still need to complete your current and/or a new degree
• You are turning 21 and can no longer remain an H-4 dependent of your H-1B parent

Application procedure

To request the change of status, you will need to submit the completed Form I-539 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with the processing fee. Information about filing this form online can be found on the USCIS website.\

You will also need to upload the following documents when completing the I-539:

• Receipt confirming payment of the SEVIS I-901 Fee
• Your F-1 I-20 requesting the change of status, hand-signed and dated
• Your most recent electronic I-94
• Financial verification as listed on the I-20
• If in H-1B status, copies of all I-797 approval notices. If in H-4 status, copies of all of your spouse’s/parent’s I-797 approval notice for H-1B status, printed copy of their electronic I-94, and copies of any I-797 approval notices for H-4 status.
• A letter from the employer of the H-1B confirming that the H-1B is still employed under all terms and conditions of the original H-1B petition is highly recommended
• Copies of the pages in each individual’s passport that include biographical information, passport picture and passport expiration
• Statement of why you need to change from H-1B or H-4 to F-1 status

Additional documents might be required. It is strongly advised that you meet with an immigration attorney to review your application to USCIS for the change of status request.