Change of Status

H-1B or H4 to F-1 Student

In order to change status while in the U.S. from a temporary specialty worker (H-1B) or worker dependent (H-4) to a student (F-1) status 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 U.S. and in valid H-1B/H-4 status at the time 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 it does not interfere with your primary purpose of working in the U.S.; 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-1/H-4 status is expiring and/or you want to complete another degree; or
You are turning 21 and can no longer remain an H-4 dependent of your H-1B parent.

Application Procedure

Your request to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for change of status should consist of the following:

Completed Form I-539 with the processing fee (check or money order made payable to Department of Homeland Security); For the most current fee information visit www.uscis.gov and scroll down to “Forms and E-Filing” to find the appropriate fee.
Receipt for paying the SEVIS I-901 Fee. Go to FMJfee.com for full details.
Original Form I-20 signed and dated by you and issuing school.
Original Form I-94 (you are very strongly encouraged to keep a copy of the front and back of the Form I-94).
Financial verification.
If in H-1B status, copies of all I-797 approval notices. If in H-4 status, copies of all of spouse’s/parent’s I-797 approval notices for H-1B status, copies of both sides of their I-94 card, 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.

For more information please see instructions located in Form I-539.