Application Process

1. Before you are eligible to apply for an I-20 you must have already been admitted to Temple University.
2. You should complete and submit an I-20 application. You must let ISSS know if you plan to travel outside the U.S. or if you would rather file a Change of Status. Please read the information in the Change of Status section very carefully, so you can make an informed decision.
3. ISSS will contact you when your application for an I-20 is complete. You can either pick up the I-20 for travel OR schedule an appointment for a change of status.

If you decide to submit a COS application in the US, bring the following materials with you to your appointment:

1. Completed and signed in blue ink Form I-539.
2. Proof of academic registration for next available semester if you are eligible (F2s and B2s should NOT register).
3. Personal check, certified bank check (preferable) or a money order payable to the USCIS for US $290.
4. A statement to USCIS explaining why you wish to change your status. See instructions on how to write a statement letter.
5. Legible copy of the bio graphical and visa page(s) of your passport, the visa on which you last entered the United States, the most recent US admission stamp in your passport and Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Card). Do not submit copies of blank passport pages or copies of entry stamps to countries other than the U.S.
6. Copies of any other documentation submitted to or received from the USCIS.
7. Copy of marriage/birth certificate if you are in a dependent status (F-2, H-4, L-2, etc.).
8. Proof that primary visa holder is maintaining her/his status. This might include a statement from the primary's employer plus copies of recent pay stubs and I-94 card if s/he is in H-1  or L-1 status or copies of the F-1's transcripts and enrollment verification if you are in F2 status.

After you receive the new I-20/DS-2019 from ISSS you will need to pay the SEVIS Fee online. You will not be able to pay this fee until ISSS has issued you an I-20/DS-2019. Include proof of payment with your COS application. Please provide ISSS with a copy of your payment.

ISSS is happy to answer any questions concerning your application during your appointment.  However, please prepare as much as you can before meeting with us. Often students need a second appointment to finish up the COS application.

A change of status from another non-immigrant visa to Non-immigrant Student (F-1 or J-1) currently takes between one and four months to be processed.  You may and should stay in the United States while awaiting a reply. You may attend classes ONLY if you hold an immigration status that allows you to do so (such as H-4). Moreover, you are required to maintain your current status until you receive an answer from the USCIS.

You are not considered eligible for benefits of the requested status until the COS application has been approved by the USCIS. This means that you may not begin working on-campus until the COS has been approved.

Once an application for change to Non-immigrant Student (F-1) status has been approved, you must register for and successfully complete full-time enrollment during the remainder of your stay at Temple University, beginning the first available semester after approval of the application.

If  a Change of Status is granted:

The USCIS will send you a Notice of Action (Form I-797A), a new Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure card), and the relevant pages of the Form I-20. The Form I-797A and the Form I-20 will indicate "Change of Status granted on DATE from YOUR CURRENT STATUS to F-1 - D/S."  Even though the Change of Status is granted inside the United States, it does not grant you a new visa. Rather, you will need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate outside of the United States to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status.

If your application for a change of status is denied:

The USCIS will send you a Notice of Action (Form I-797A) which may indicate a VOLUNTARY DEPARTURE date. In this case, you will need to request a new Form I-20 from ISSS before you leave the U.S. if you intend on returning to the U.S. to pursue studies at Temple University. You will need to apply for a visa outside the U.S. to return in valid F-1 status. Please schedule an appointment with an immigration advisor in ISSS as soon as possible so s/he can discuss strategies with you.

Change from Exchange Visitor (J-1) status to Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) status

If you hold J-1 status, you may only apply for a change of status within the United States if you are not subject to the two-year home residency requirement. If you are subject to the requirement, you must receive a waiver of the requirement before applying for a change of status within the U.S. An Exchange Visitor who is subject may leave and apply for an F-1 visa outside the U.S., re-entering in F-1 status. Individuals with questions about Exchange Visitor (J-1) status should consult with one of the immigration advisors in ISSS.