CHANGE OF STATUS FROM CURRENT VISA TO F1

 

Certain non immigrants are not permitted to change status to F-1 while in the United States. Such non immigrants may still be eligible for F-1 status, but the only way they can get F-1 status is through obtaining an F-1 visa from their home country and re-entering the United States. The following non immigrants are not permitted to change status – M-1, C, D, K, J-1 physicians, J subject to 2 year foreign residence requirement.

Non immigrants that are eligible for F-1 status may register for classes while waiting for approval.

Basic steps for change of status from current visa to F-1 (except B visas):

  • Complete and return an application for admission.
  • Take our Compass test to evaluate your English Proficiency. If your English proficiency qualifies you to attend Macomb you can proceed with the paperwork.
  • Fill out and return to us all the forms you print from the checklist.
  • When we receive all the forms we will create your I-20 Form. You must come in to the office to sign it.
  • We send your paperwork to USCIS (United States Customs and Immigration Service) and wait for their approval. It may take 3-6 months for a reply.
  • A decision letter will be mailed directly to you. When you receive it please bring it to us.
  • If approved, we can finish the process and you can register for classes.

The documents you will need to send to us to be considered for admission are: (click on link to print forms)

        1.

Admission Application

Applicant’s signature and current address on the Application for Admission is mandatory

        2.

Macomb Placement/TOEFL

Must meet Macomb’s English language proficiency requirement

        3.

I-20 Form

SEVIS information form to be used by office to create the I-20

        4.

I-134 form

Affidavit of support to be completed by sponsor. The purpose is to file a promise with USCIS to support an alien entering the United States and that the alien will not become a public charge. A separate affidavit must be filed by the sponsor for each person. The form must be notarized.

        5.

Bank Statement 

We require recent, original statement(s) (within the last 60 days) indicating the sponsor has at least $17,100 in U.S. dollars, in an account to support the F-1 student. Copies are not acceptable.

        6.

Sponsor Financial Form

Signed statement by Sponsor attesting to the fact that they have sufficient funds to meet the student’s expenses.

        7.

Student Financial Form

Signed financial statement by student attesting to the fact that they are fully aware of the financial obligations of their sponsor and acknowledge that they are not permitted to work.

        8.

Educational Summary Form

Summary form listing student’s educational history.

        9.

I-539 Form

Change of Status Form is submitted when student is changing status of their current visa to an F1 or students seeking reinstatement of their F1 status.

        10. 

Check or Money Order

Check or Money Order made out to “Department of Homeland Security” for $300.  (subject to change)

        11.

DS-158 Form

Contact information and Work History form for visa applicants.

        12.

Full-time Status Form

Signed statement by student recognizing that they must take a full-time course of study in the Fall and Winter Terms.

        13.

Convincing Letter

Student must write a letter explaining why he or she wants to change status to F1.  It is to convince USCIS of the student’s temporary intent as well as persuade USCIS that the student did not have a preconceived intention to study in the U.S.

        14.

I-901 Form Worksheet

Instructions and worksheet for student to complete the I-901 form.

        15.

I-901 Receipt

After completing the I-901 form, student must provide Macomb College with the receipt showing they paid the $100 fee.

        16.

Waiver of Liability Form

Signed statement by student that Macomb College is not liable for an unfavorable decision by USCIS if current visa will soon expire or has already expired.

        17.

Waiver of Responsibility Form

Signed statement by student that Macomb College is not responsible for the decision made by USCIS.

        18.

Credential Evaluation

Evaluation of foreign transcripts must be sent directly to Macomb College by the evaluator.

You will need to show us your original VISA, PASSPORT and I-94