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How to Apply for Change of Status

Application Process for Change of Status to F1 Visa

The Change of Status process is for individuals who are currently in the US on a visa status other than F1 student status. If a non-F1 visa holder wishes to change their status to F1, they should first review the complete instructions at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.  We strongly recommend working with an immigration attorney to understand and complete the Change of Status application successfully. Please note that a F1 student visa holder is required to study full-time (20 hours/week) in-person only. 

Applying to MLC for a “Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status,” is just one of the steps for the Change of Status Application.  Follow the steps below to request a Form I-20 form MLC. Applicants may contact MLC at info@englishclasses.com before they begin the application process if they have questions.

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    Step 1: Submit an I-20 Application for Change of Status

    The “Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status” is a document needed in order to apply for the Change of Status. MLC issues this document to prospective students. The Form I-20 Application is on this webpage: https://www.englishclasses.com/application/.

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    Step 2: English Assessment

    1. Take MLC’s online English Placement Test. Applicants must use a computer or a laptop to take the English Placement test. DO NOT take the test on a cell phone.  Click here to take the English Placement Test.
    2. Schedule an online Assessment Meeting with our Director. After the test is completed, applicants will schedule a meeting with one of our Directors to discuss the test results and determine their English level. Click here to schedule an Assessment Meeting.
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    Step 3: Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee

    MLC will issue an Admission letter and the Form I-20. The information from the I-20 must be used to complete payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee to the US government.

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    Step 4: Submit the I-539 Change of Status Application

    Submit the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS.

Important Change of Status Regulations

  • Applicants must inform MLC as soon as they hear a decision from USCIS about their Change of Status Application. If the Change of Status is approved, the student must begin studying in MLC’s next available session, regardless of which session they originally applied for. Please note that B-visa holders cannot study until their change of status is approved.
  • If a change of status applicant leaves the U.S. while their I-539 application is pending, USCIS will consider this an abandonment of their application and it will be denied. 
  • Those who are approved for a change of status will NOT receive a physical F-1 visa. Instead, they will receive an updated I-94 form indicating that their visa status has been changed to F-1 for the duration of their current stay in the U.S. Once they depart the U.S., they will need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy abroad if they wish to re-enter the U.S. in F status. 
  • Please visit DHS Study in the States website for more information about the Change of Status process. 

Apply for a Change of Status to an F-1 Visa

Start today by completing our application form or contact us!

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Kseniia

Russia ksenia
I like the MLC because it has wonderful teachers – especially Sabrina, Josh, and Tom. I really like them. I think they are amazing. They teach English to us, they play games with us. So come here to study. It’s a really cool place!
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