Change of Status

Review the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reference chart to learn which nonimmigrant visa classifications permit study in the United States and what restrictions may apply. This resource can help you determine whether you may need to change your immigration status to F-1 to pursue your studies.

If you are currently in the United States in a nonimmigrant status and wish to begin a full-time program of study at NCC, you may need to change your status to F-1 student status.

There are two ways to obtain F-1 student Status:

1. Leave the United States and apply for an F-1 entry visa at a U.S. Consulate Embassy and then re-enter the US in your new Status
2. Stay in the United States and submit an application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to have your status changed in the United States.
   • Additional information about changing to F-1 student status is available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Before you begin the process of changing your status, there are a few things you should consider:

• If your I-94 has expired, The Office of International Student Services cannot assist you with your change of status. You should seek legal counsel from an immigration attorney.
• You must be in an nonimmigrant status that allows for a change of status.
• If you travel internationally while your Change of status is pending, your application will be cancelled. The department of Homeland Security will deny the application if they become aware of the departure.
• If the Change of Status application is approved, it only changes your status in the United States. This means that if you travel internationally and wish to re-enter in F-1 student status, you will need to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Please consider potential risks of applying for a U.S. visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. These risks include visa refusal and additional security screening, which may delay the process.
• While your change of status application is pending, your ability to study full-time or work on campus depends on your current immigration status. Individuals in B-1/B-2 (Tourist) status must wait for USCIS approval of their change to F-1 status before beginning a course of study.

Receive your Form I-20:

1. Complete the International Student Application
2. Receive a Form I-20 by completing International student Application Requirements
   • You will receive your I-20 via e-mail from International Student Services along with Instructions
3. Pay the SEVIS Fee (this will be done after receiving your I-20)

Submit your Application to USCIS after receiving Form I-20 with the following documents:

1. A cover letter that provides details about your current maintenance of status and the intent of your most recent entry into the U.S., request a change to F-1 status and summarize all materials that you are submitting
2. Form I-539, Found on the USCIS website - you can file the form online if you are the only applicant. If your spouse or child is in the U.S. as your dependent, you will need to file a paper application.
3. Original Form I-20 issued by Northampton Community College
4. Receipt confirming payment of the SEVIS Fee
5. Copies of financial documents demonstrating that you can cover the cost of attending Northampton Community college
6. Your current I-94, or admission number receipt
7. Photocopies of the identification page from your passport and any validity amendments) and all documentation of your previous immigration history in the U.S.(e.g. Forms I-797, I-20, DS02019)
8. If your current or previous status is a dependent status, you must provide documentation of your relationship to the principal (e.g. birth certificate or marriage certificate), and documentation that the principal is maintaining status
9. Documentation that you continue to maintain your current immigration status
10. A filing fee is required when submitting Form I-539. Visit the USCIS Filing Fees webpage to confirm the current fee and review the payment instructions for your filing method. Payment requirements may differ depending on whether you file online or by mail.

• Submit your receipt notice. Email a copy of your Form I-797C, Notice of Action (Receipt Notice), to international@northampton.edu.
• Monitor your program start date. If USCIS has not approved your change of status (COS) application by the program start date listed on your Form I-20, contact International Student Services promptly. Your program start date may need to be deferred in SEVIS to prevent your record from being terminated.
• Keep International Student Services informed. Notify our office when USCIS makes a decision on your application. If your application is approved, email us a copy of your Form I-797A, Notice of Action (Approval Notice).
• Notify us of a Request for Evidence (RFE) or denial. If USCIS issues an RFE or denies your application, contact our office promptly. If you receive an RFE, send us a copy of the notice so we can update your record as appropriate. Please note that our office cannot provide legal advice regarding your response to an RFE or a denial.
• Communicate changes to your academic plans. Contact International Student Services if you need to defer your admission or cancel your plans to attend NCC. We will work with you to determine whether updates to your Form I-20 or SEVIS record are needed.

Important: SEVIS records must be maintained and updated appropriately while your change of status application is pending. If USCIS has not approved your application by the program start date listed on your Form I-20, you must contact International Student Services promptly so we can determine whether your program start date needs to be deferred. SEVIS may automatically cancel your initial record if the required action is not taken. Please communicate any changes to your plans or updates from USCIS as soon as possible.

1. Receive your Form I-20:
2. Complete the International Student Application
3. Receive a Form I-20 by completing International student Application Requirements
   • You will receive your I-20 via e-mail from International Student Services along with Instructions
4. Pay the SEVIS Fee (this will be done after receiving your I-20)
5. Leave the U.S. and apply for a new F-1 visa
6. Re-enter the U.S. in your new F-1 status

What Should I know before Leaving the United States to Apply For an F-1 Visa?

• When preparing to apply for an F-1 student visa, check the estimated visa interview wait times at the U.A. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply. Appointment availability varies by location and may change, so begin preparing early and plan accordingly. Wait times are estimates and do not guarantee appointment availability or visa processing time.
• If USCIS approves your change of status to F-1 while you are in the United States, this does not guarantee that your F-1 visa application will be approved if you later apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Visa applications are reviewed separately by consular officers, and you must meet the applicable requirements for visa issuance. Consider the potential risks and implications for your travel plans before leaving the United States to apply for an F-1 visa.