Changing Your Status: Do You Need To?
There are many visa classifications which permit either full- or part-time study (see the non-immigrant visa classification chart). However, these other visa classes may not afford individuals the benefits of working on campus, of engaging in practical training after completion of study, and more. If you are in the U.S. in a visa classification other than F-1 or J-1 student (such as F-2, J-2, H-1B, H-4, G-4, E-2, B-2, etc.), please check with the OISS for restrictions specific to your immigration status. If your current status does not permit full-time study, you will not be eligible to enroll as a full-time student at UNH until you have received approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of your change of status. Likewise, if you have been offered a graduate assistantship and your current immigration status does not permit employment, you will not be able to accept the offer until your status has changed.
In the event that the principal F-1, J-1 or H-1B holder finishes his/her program or terminates employment and has to depart from the U.S., dependents will also be expected to depart. In such cases, dependents should apply to the USCIS for a change of status to continue in their academic programs.
Instructions for Applying for a Change of your Immigration Status
Once you have consulted with the OISS and determined that a change of status is necessary, you must assemble an application. The OISS will file the application on your behalf, but it is your responsibility to provide all the necessary documentation and fees.
You must submit the following to the OISS:
- Completed Form I-539 (available from the OISS or you can download forms directly from the USCIS Online) - see below for instructions on how to complete this form
- Personal statement showing how you have been supporting yourself since your arrival in the U.S.
- Application fee – Personal check, Certified Bank Check or Money Order made out to: “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services”
- SEVIS Fee Receipt – For information and instructions, go to: https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml
- Photocopy of your Form I-94, Record of Arrival/Departure
- Photocopy of your passport biographic pages (showing name, citizenship, date of passport expiration, etc.)
- Photocopy of your current U.S. visa
- Photocopy of the principal alien's Form I-20, DS-2019 or I-797, current U.S. visa and I-94
- Evidence of financial resources - bank statements, affidavits of support, scholarship/assistantship award letters, or a combination of these documents
If you are the dependent of someone who is not an international student, scholar or faculty member at UNH, you must also complete and submit a Verification of Principal Alien's Immigration Status form. Since you need to have a valid immigration status to change from, we need to make sure that the immigration status of the person your status depends upon is also valid.
Once you have submitted these documents to the OISS, we will review the application, attach several other required documents, and submit it to the USCIS. It can take 6 to 12 weeks for USCIS to make a decision, so make sure you factor this into your planning.
Instructions for completing Form I-539
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Note: some fields are self-explanatory and therefore are not explained further in these instructions.
Part 1. Information about you.
Name
Address - if you downloaded the Form I-539 from the USCIS web site, leave this blank. (We will insert the OISS address before submitting to the USCIS. This ensures that if the USCIS requests additional documentation, all correspondence can come directly to our office. In most cases we can respond to the USCIS without having to worry you or request any new documents from you.)
Date of Birth - follow the format requested
Country of Birth
Social Security Number - if you have a U.S. SSN, then enter it here. If not, leave it blank. Canadians: do NOT enter your Canadian number here.
A# if any - this refers to an Alien Registration Number, and you won't have one of these unless you are a permanent resident.
Date of Last Arrival into the U.S. - enter the date of your last entry (this is usually stamped in your passport and on the Form I-94)
I-94 # - this is the number printed across the top of your I-94 card. Also referred to as your admission number.
Current Non-Immigrant Status
Expires on - if there is an expiration date stamped on your I-94, enter that date. If there is a notation, such as D/S, enter that instead.
Part 2. Application Type
1. Check box 'b.' The new status you are requesting is F-1.
Part 3. Processing Information
1. Enter D/S
Part 4. Additional Information
2. If you do not hold a foreign address yourself, enter your parents' or other immediate relatives’ address.
3. If you answer "no" to question 3g, provide additional information as requested on Page 3.
Part 5. Signature
Sign and date the application form, attach a personal check, bank check or money order for the filing fee and submit to the OISS.
