Change of Status

Visa Type	Can You Study?
B-1/B-2 / J / ESTA	Not allowed
F-2	Part-time only while COS is pending
Other visa categories	Varies — check with OIS

 Study in the States for more details.

If you are already in the U.S. in an immigration status other than F-1, you should change your status. You can do this by:

1. Travel & Reentry: Travel outside the U.S. and re-enter using your new visa.
2. Change of Status application: Submit a COS application to USCIS from within the U.S.

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Option 1: Travel & Reentry (Consular Processing)

Steps:

• After admission, obtain Form I-20 from Trine.
• Apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate/embassy outside the U.S.
• Re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status.

Pros:

• Typically faster than COS processing.

Cons:

• Requires international travel.
• Risk of visa delays or denials.

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Option 2: Change of Status Application to F-1 through USCIS (within the U.S.)

Steps:

• Submit Form I-539 to USCIS.
• Remain in the U.S. while the application is processed.

Pros:

• No need to travel.

Cons:

• Processing time is 6–12+ months.
• No F-1 benefits (such as work authorization) until approved.
• Must maintain current visa status until approved.
• Cannot leave the U.S. while COS is pending.

Permitted:

• Maintaining current status.
• In A, G, B-1, B-2, F-2, H-1B, H-4, J-1, or J-2 status.
• Admitted to Trine University.

Not Permitted:

• In C, D, K, or M status.
• Entered under VWP.
• Subject to 2-year home residence requirement.
• Visitor under 8 C.F.R. 212.1(e).
• WT/WB visitor under VWP.

Step 1: Admission & I-20

• Apply and be admitted to Trine University.
• Receive Change of Status I-20.

Step 2: File Form I-539 with USCIS

Include:

• Signed Form I-20 (you & DSO)
• Form I-539
• USCIS filing fee
• Personal statement
• Financial support proof
• I-94 copy
• Passport ID and visa copy
• Current status proof
• Dependent documents

Step 3: Await USCIS Decision

• Receive I-797C Receipt Notice.
• Possible biometrics appointment.
• Monitor case at USCIS Case Status.
• If delayed, contact intladmit@trine.edu.

• Do not leave the U.S. while COS is pending.
• Leaving after approval requires F-1 visa for re-entry.
• Maintain current visa status.
• Inform OIS of Receipt notices, RFEs, Approvals/Denials.
• Processing may take 3–12+ months.
• Study only if visa allows (not B or J).
• F-2 dependents may enroll part-time.
• No employment allowed while pending.
• Unlawful presence could result in 3- or 10-year bar.

• Submit Approved Change of Visa Status Form to OIS.

• To process your update, we require the official Form I-797A, which includes an updated Form I-94.
• Form I-797C and email confirmations are courtesy copies and not valid for official updates
• F-1 status valid from the approval date.
• If approved mid-semester, F-1 starts the next available semester.
• Employment is allowed after F-1 approval (on/off-campus). If approved mid-semester, eligibility begins the next available semester.
• Follow F-1 rules: full-time enrollment, updated address, no unauthorized work.

Option	Requires Travel?	Timeframe	Benefits Begin When?
Travel & Reentry	Yes	Faster	Upon reentry with F-1 visa
Change of Status (COS)	No	6–12+ months	After COS approval

• Plan early — COS approval is not guaranteed.
• Maintain active legal status.
• Communicate with OIS throughout.
• Do not leave the U.S. until COS is approved and F-1 active.

Form Number	Description
I-797	General Notice of Action: receipt/approval.
I-797A	Notice with I-94: COS approved in the U.S.
I-797B	For Alien Worker Petition: requires consular processing.
I-797C	Communicates receipt, rejection, appointments, RFEs.
I-797E	Request for Evidence (RFE): additional evidence required.

If your immigration status changes from F-1 to any other non-immigrant status, please ensure you understand the difference between Form I-797A and Form I-797B before submitting the Approved Change of Status form, available on the International Resources Page.

To process your update, we require the official Form I-797A, which includes an updated Form I-94.

Please note:

• Form I-797C and email confirmations are courtesy copies and not valid for official updates.
• Your nonimmigrant status is valid from the date specified on your approval notice.

Understanding the Differences Between I-797A and I-797B

I-797A: COS Approved Within the U.S.

• Includes new I-94.
• Status change is effective immediately.

Example Scenario:
F-1 to H-1B COS → begin employment in U.S.

I-797B: Consular Processing Required

• I-94 included is not included
• Must leave, obtain visa, re-enter.

Example Scenario:
F-1 to H-1B via I-797B requires consular processing.

Important Notes:

• Maintain current status until new status is activated.
• If SEVIS is updated prematurely, DSO must contact SEVIS Help Desk.

If the Change of Status is pending, do not fill out the Approved Change of Status Form.

Option 1: Maintain F-1 Status

• Enroll full-time.
• Work with proper authorization.
• Maintain SEVIS record as backup status.

Option 2: Do Not Maintain F-1 Status

• File I-485 and receive Receipt Notice.
• OIS will terminate SEVIS record.
• Legal presence depends on I-485.

Risks:
Green card denial without F-1 may lead to being out of status.

Withdrawing from the University

If you withdraw from Trine and no longer maintain F-1 status:

• Submit a Withdrawal Request on the OIS Resources Page.

OIS will:

• Drop your current and future courses.
• Terminate your SEVIS record for failure to maintain F-1 status.

Final Notes

• The choice is yours — weigh your options carefully.
• Maintaining F-1 status while your green card is pending is generally safer.
• If you have questions, contact your assigned DSO.