Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

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

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.”