Change of Status: J-1 or J-2 to F-1 Student

Source: https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/immigration-information/change-status/change-status-j-1-or-j-2-f-1-student Parent: https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/immigration-information/change-status

Due to the complexity of J status regulations, the Office of International Affairs recommends that you speak with an immigration specialist before you begin the application process. If you are subject to Section 212(e), also known as the “two-year home residency requirement,” you cannot change to F-1 status in the United States unless you have received a recommendation for a waiver of the requirement from the Department of State. If you are eligible to change status while in the United States, you will need to be admitted to a full-time academic program and be issued an I-20 for that program.

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
• If J-2, copies of J-1’s valid DS-2019 and I-94
• Financial verification as listed on the I-20
• Copies of the pages in each individual’s passport that include biographical information, passport picture and passport expiration
• Statement about why you need to change status from J-1 or J-2 to F-1

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.