Skip to main content

How to Change Your Status to F-1 Visa

Last week, we talked about what it means to change your status and determine if you are eligible. If you are still trying to change your status, there are a few documents that you will need to prepare and fees you must pay.

The first part of the process is to apply and be accepted by a SEVP-approved school. Schools will have different application requirements and fees. Applying to American English Language School will require you to submit an AELS application form along with copies of your passport, bank statement, and high school diploma or equivalent.

When you have been accepted into a SEVP-approved school, the school will issue your I-20 form. Your I-20 form should have ‘change of status’ as the issue reason stated on your I-20 form.

After you receive your I-20 form, you will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. You will also need proof of your payment, so print a receipt. In order to pay this fee, you will need to provide the following:

       Name, address, date of birth, and email address.

       Country of birth and country of citizenship.

       School Code as listed on the Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

       SEVIS Identification Number as listed on your Form I-20.

 

Next, you must file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Status. After you have filed your application and paid your fees, your application will be considered “pending” and you will need to await the final decision. You are not able to enroll in your chosen school until your application has been approved. If you are still in the pending status by your intended start date, you will need to contact your DSO to postpone your start date. 

To apply to AELS’s ESL program, send your application documents to admission@aels.edu or fill out an inquiry form on our website: www.aels.edu today!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Grand Opening of American English Language School in Irvine!

We are excited to announce the grand opening of our new American English Language School (AELS) campus in Irvine, California! This expansion marks an important milestone in our mission to provide high-quality English education to international students and local learners in Southern California. Why Irvine? Irvine is one of the safest and most vibrant cities in Southern California. It is home to top universities, diverse communities, and a welcoming atmosphere for students from all over the world. Our new location offers easy access to cultural, educational, and professional opportunities — making it the perfect setting to improve your English and experience life in the U.S. What Makes AELS Different? At American English Language School, we believe that smaller classes lead to bigger results. Unlike many schools, we maintain very small group ratios so that every student receives personal attention and direct feedback. Our classes are: Conversation-...

F1 Student Transfers: A Comprehensive Guide to Program Start and End Dates

 Certainly! The program start date of the new school and the program end date of the previous school are crucial elements that can significantly impact the F1 student transfer process. Let's delve into each of these dates and understand their significance: Program Start Date of the New School: The program start date of the new school is the date on which the student's academic program at the new institution officially begins. This date is stated on the new school's Form I-20, which is a crucial document for F1 students. The Form I-20 is issued by the Designated School Official (DSO) at the new school after the student's acceptance and successful SEVIS transfer. Implications for the Transfer Process: a. Coordination with the Previous School: When planning to transfer to a new school, the F1 student must ensure that the program start date at the new institution aligns with their academic intentions. This means the new program should ideally begin immediately after the pro...

Transferring Language Schools on an F1 Student Visa: What You Need to Know

Transferring to a new language school while holding an F1 student visa can be an important step in your educational journey. Whether you’re seeking a program that better aligns with your goals, offers a higher level of instruction, or provides a more supportive environment, the process of transferring schools as an F1 student requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this transition smoothly. Why Transfer Schools? There are several reasons why an F1 student might consider transferring to a different language school: Academic Fit: You may find that the curriculum or teaching methods at your current school are not meeting your learning needs. Program Levels: The new school might offer more advanced ESL (English as a Second Language) courses or specialized programs. Location: Moving to a new city or region might necessitate finding a school closer to your new home. School Environment: You might seek a more supportive, engaging, or...