International Student Services
Change to F-1 Status
Applicants in the United States on a valid visa may be eligible to apply for a change of status to F-1 international student while remaining in the United States. One of the documents you need to apply for a change of status is an "I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status" from an SEVP-certified school like Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC).
Steps to apply for a Change of Status to F-1 International Student:
Apply to LAPC by the deadline dates. View the LAPC International Application Checklist.
Admitted students will receive an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status (aka: "I-20") from LAPC. You need this document to apply for a change of status to F-1 international student.
After obtaining an I-20, pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. Keep a receipt. For more information on the I-901 SEVIS Fee and how to pay it, view Study in the States: Paying the I-901 Fee.
After receiving an I-20 from LAPC and paying the I-901 Fee, the student can file Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Non-Immigrant Status through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Students requiring assistance with change of status filing through USCIS should contact an immigration attorney.
For more information about filing a change of status to F-1, view Study in the States: Change of Status.
Certain visa types allow students to attend the college while waiting for the F-1 change of status to be adjudicated. Other visa types do not allow enrollment at the college until the applicant is granted F-1 student status.