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Change of Status (COS)
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For individuals currently inside the United States in another immigration status who want to change to F-1 student status without leaving the U.S.

Already in US Form I-539 Status Change

Quick Facts

Required Form

I-539

SEVIS Fee

$350

Standard Processing Time

3–6+ months (varies)

Are You a Change of Status Student?

A Change of Status (COS) student is currently inside the United States in another immigration status and wants to change to F-1 student status without leaving the U.S.
B1/B2 F-2 H-4 J-1/J-2 Other statuses

This Process Typically Requires:

  • Admission to a U.S. school
  • A new Initial I-20
  • Paying the SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Filing a Change of Status application with USCIS (Form I-539)

Important Note:

Processing times can vary. Traveling outside the U.S. while a COS application is pending may cancel/abandon the request. Always confirm timing and rules with your school's international office (DSO) and/or an immigration attorney.

Still Not Sure About How To Get Started?

Book a session with one of our counselors for additional support!

Book an Information Session

Types of Change of Status Students

From Visitor or Dependent Status

Examples: B1/B2, F-2, H-4, etc.

From Another Student/Exchange Status

Examples: J-1/J-2 or other categories, depending on restrictions.

Before You Start: Confirm Readiness

Just like transfer students, it's important to confirm if you meet the requirements:

English Requirement

Duolingo/IELTS/TOEFL or waiver/pathway

Academic Requirement

GPA, transcripts, prerequisites

Budget/Funds

Required for tuition + living expenses (also needed for I-20)

If needed, ask our academic advisors for a free English placement test and program guidance.

What Is a Pathway Program?

If you don't meet English or academic requirements yet, you may qualify through:

English-School Pathways

Ex: OHLA/ILAC certificates accepted by partner universities

University Pathway Programs

English + academics built into the university entry plan

This can be a strong option before (or alongside) your F-1 plan, depending on your current status and timeline.

Still Not Sure About How To Get Started?

Book a session with one of our counselors for additional support!

Book an Information Session

Why Choose UniApplyNow?

  • Support until you arrive on campus
  • 300+ university partners
  • Thousands of students assisted
  • No service fees (free support)
  • Free academic advising
  • Personalized university recommendations
  • Scholarship guidance
  • GPA evaluation

Steps for a Change of Status Student

Complete guide for students already inside the U.S.

1

Define Your Academic Plan

Decide on the following:

Major or program English plan: direct, ESL, or pathway Target start term Budget and funding plan
2

Create or Update Your Profile on UniApplyNow.com

Log in and update your profile.

Current and foreign address Contact info Current immigration status Education history

This helps our advisors recommend the right programs and timelines.

3

Search and Select Programs (COS-Friendly Timeline)

Using UniApplyNow, you can:

  • Search by major, location, budget, and start dates
  • Identify options for direct admission, ESL, or pathway programs
  • Compare timelines to ensure they align with your current status

Our academic advisors can help select programs that match your profile and immigration timing.

4

Upload Required Documents

For admission, I-20, and Change of Status preparation.

Academic

  • Transcripts from the U.S. and/or home country
  • Diploma or degree if applicable

English

  • Duolingo, IELTS, or TOEFL if available
  • Pathway or ESL documentation

Immigration

  • Passport biographic page
  • Most recent I-94
  • Current status documents

Financial

  • Proof of funds for I-20
  • Bank letter or statement
  • Sponsor letter if applicable

Our team reviews documents to ensure they are complete and correctly prepared.

5

Meet With Our Academic Advisor

Your advisor will:

  • Confirm admission requirements and best-fit programs
  • Review English options: test, pathway, or waiver
  • Confirm funding requirements for the I-20
  • Support you through application submission
6

Submit Your University Application(s)

Submit one or multiple applications, track updates in one place, and respond quickly to university requests.

7

Receive Acceptance and Your Initial I-20

Once admitted and financially cleared, the school issues an Initial I-20. Confirm the program, start date, and personal information.

8

Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

Before filing Change of Status, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee linked to the I-20 SEVIS ID and save proof of payment.

  • Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Save proof of payment for your records
9

File the Change of Status Application With USCIS

This is the official step to request F-1 status without leaving the U.S.

This commonly includes:

  • Filing Form I-539 and required supporting documents
  • Providing your I-20, financial proof, and current status documents
  • Maintaining your current status while the case is pending

Do not violate your current status while waiting.

Avoid international travel while the COS is pending unless advised otherwise.

For filing questions, consult with an immigration attorney.

10

Receive USCIS Decision and Complete School Check-In

If Approved:

  • You become F-1 in the U.S.
  • You must check in with the school
  • Follow full-time enrollment requirements

If Denied:

  • Your advisor can help review next steps
  • Consider consular processing to obtain an F-1 visa and re-enter

In Summary

A Change of Status student is already in the U.S. and needs to:

Choose the right program Secure admission Receive Initial I-20 Pay SEVIS File COS with USCIS Check in & Enroll

UniApplyNow organizes the application process, and our academic advisors support you step-by-step through program selection, document preparation, and planning your best pathway to F-1.