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 at a school that can issue a Form I-20. You must also be in the United States and 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; therefore, you will 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
Your request to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status should consist of the following:
- Completed Form I-539 with the processing fee. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Department of Homeland Security. View the most current fee information.
- Receipt for paying SEVIS I-901 Fee
- Copy of pages 1 and 2 of the Form I-20 signed and dated by you and the issuing school
- Copy of electronic I-94
- Copy of financial verification
- 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, copies of both sides of their I-94 card (or printed copy of 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
The Office of International Affairs recommends that this application be sent by certified mail with a return receipt. Please note that the Form I-539 can no longer be filed electronically through the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) – it must be mailed. View the current mailing information.
If you have been offered an assistantship, please include and highlight in your letter: “Please expedite: Assistantship pending.” Also, write on the bottom left corner of the envelope, “Expedite: Assistantship pending.”