- 1). Gain admittance to a full-time program in the U.S. that can help you to qualify for an I-20, or certificate of visa eligibility. Schools that offer full-time admission for out-of-country applicants will have a department that helps those student to get a temporary visa.
- 2). Choose one of two paths to getting your F-1 status. You can leave the U.S. with your I-20 and re-enter; upon re-entry you will show your admissions acceptance as well as your I-20. Your visa will be stamped with an F-1 stamp and you will be changed to F-1 status.
Alternatively, apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you choose to go this route, you must apply no earlier than 30 days from the date your classes start but no later than 30 days after the program begins. You will need to fill out a Form I-539, available when you get there to file, and have your I-20, financial documents as well as a passport. Also include a letter stating why you are changing status. - 3). Mail your information to the USCIS office for review and approval .
- 4). Wait up to six months for an updated record from the USCIS.
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