Changing Status to F-1

Students decide to transition to F-1 status for many reasons. Here are some of the benefits to F-1 status:

• F-1 student immigration status is an independent immigration status. It is not tied to an employer or a family relationship.
• Students in F-1 status are eligible to work on-campus and are eligible for fellowships, assistantships and tuition waivers.
• Students in F-1 status can become eligible to receive authorization for academic internships or qualified employment tied to their field of study while they are enrolled (Curricular Practical Training “CPT”)
• Students in F-1 status can become eligible to receive authorization for academic internships or qualified employment tied to their field of study after they graduate (Optional Practical Training “OPT” and STEM OPT Extension)

In addition to its benefits, F-1 student immigration status comes with important responsibilities. You should be sure that you are willing to maintain valid F-1 immigration status before you request an I-20 and begin the process to transition to F-1 status. As an F-1 student, you will be required to:

• Attend International Student Welcome (ISW) once you’ve been given your SCU I-20
• Enroll and attend classes full time
• Keep ISS updated about changes to your contact information and your employment
• Work only with F-1 authorization (other work authorizations are no longer valid)
• Get permission before travelling outside the U.S.
• Keep valid and accurate immigration documents

There are many immigration status that will allow a student to enroll in a full course load of classes without obtaining F-1 status. 

You can enroll in full-time classes at SCU without obtaining F-1 status if you are currently in: E-1, E-2, E-3, E-2D, H-1B, H-4, J-1, J-2, L-1, L-2, O-1, O-2, O-3, P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, R-1, R-2, TN, TD, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Refugee / Asylee, immigrant visas (including spouse and fiancee visas), pending Adjustment of Status ("green card"), Lawful Permanent Resident ("green card").

You can enroll only in part-time classes at SCU without obtaining F-1 status if you are currently in: F-2 or M-2 status

You cannot enroll in any classes at SCU if you are currently in: B-1, B-2, "ESTA", Visa Waiver / VWP

Review Immigration and Custom Enforcement's Who Can Study? document for more information.

Please note that while you may be eligible to study at SCU, you are not eligible to work on or off-campus without employment authorization. This may also impact your eligibility for fellowships, assistantships and tuition waivers.

• This is the recommended option for the majority of students.
• Comparably faster and easier than a Change of Status application.
• You get an F-1 visa stamp in your passport, which facilitates easier travel during your academic program and after graduation.

• You can only go for visa stamping at certain times of the year (summer break, or in rare cases winter break).
• Once you have the visa stamp, the first time you enter the U.S. in F-1 status can be no earlier than 30 days before the next term of classes start. 
• Expense of travel
• Possibility of Administrative Processing

• Not available for students that have pending immigrant visa ("green card") application
• Not available for students that have any history of criminal charges, conviction etc.
• Not recommended for students from certain countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen). Citizens of Turkey and Russia should consult with an immigration attorney.

• Allows the student to stay in the U.S.
• Only requires USCIS filing fee ($370)
• The only option for students from certain countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen)
• May be less problematic for students with:
  • Pending immigrant visa ("green card") applications
  • Fewer ties to their home country
  • Prior criminal convictions

• In some cases, you would not be able to start as a full-time student until the change of status is approved.
• Takes a very long time to be processed by USCIS, possibly more than a year. There is no guaranteed approval time and there is no way to expedite or speed up the process. 
• While application is pending, must continually maintain your current immigration status or acquire another status until 30 days before your program start date. Your start date will be deferred to the following academic term if your application has not been approved by the original start date.
• Cannot leave the U.S. while the Change of Status is pending (even in the case of an emergency).
• Must still obtain an F-1 visa stamp the next time you travel outside the U.S. Therefore, travel abroad after Change of Status must be carefully planned.
• If the application is denied, there is a risk that you could not only be out of status, but that you could be referred to immigration court for deportation / removal.

• Not available to students in J-1 status, B-1/ B-2 (or ESTA, tourist visa or visa waiver).
• Not available to students who have an immigration status that will soon expire or become invalid.