Changing to F-1 Status
Individuals who have been admitted to SUNY New Paltz and who currently have a non-immigrant status other than F-1 student may apply to change their status to F-1 as long as they intend to register as a full-time student in an academic or language program.
Eligibility
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is likely to grant a change of status only if an applicant's permission to stay in the US is valid and the applicant is "in status." Individuals not in lawful immigration status, or whose circumstances suggest that they may have misrepresented their intentions on entering the US, may anticipate denial of their applications. Many such individuals will want to leave the US temporarily, obtain a student visa at a consular office, and reenter the country in student status. Those who anticipate difficulty in reentering the US may want to discuss their circumstances with an attorney experienced in immigration law.
Qualifying for a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) from SUNY New Paltz
Students who have been admitted to an academic or language program should receive information about applying for an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Student Status. If you have not received this form, contact International Student Programs. In order to qualify, you must be admitted to the university and provide financial documentation showing funds for you and any accompanying dependents who apply for F-2 status. The funds should be sufficient for one year and show a plan for funding subsequent years.
Current Status
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F-2 Dependent status
As of April 29, 2015, changes in the United States immigration law permits F-2 dependents to study at an SEVP-certified school part time. Any F-2 who wants to study full time must apply for a change of status to F-1 and register full time. -
Other dependent visa statuses H-4, L-2, O-3 etc.
A change of status may be required when the dependent child reaches the age of 21 or if the spouse or child wishes to benefit from a change to F-1 for the purpose of employment or practical training eligibility. At this point, regulations allow these dependents to register full time, part time or not at all. -
J-1 or J-2
Remember that if you are subject to the two-year home residency requirement, you are not eligible for a change of status in the United States. You will have to leave the country to apply for an F-1 visa and re-enter with the proper status. -
H-1 Worker
You should give your dates of employment under H-1 and the date of registration at SUNY New Paltz. Include a copy of the I-797 approving the H-1. You must apply for this change of status as soon as you terminate your H-1 employment. -
A or G Diplomatic
You are required to file form I-566 before applying for a change of status. -
B-1 or B-2 Visitor
When you entered the US you told a visa officer your reason for coming to the US You should have an explanation for changing your original intent or your request may be denied. Supporting documentation may also be helpful. If you are in B-2 Prospective Student Status additional documentation is not necessary. -
PLEASE NOTE: The USCIS has published an interim rule, effective immediately, that prohibits a B nonimmigrant (both B-1 visitors for business and B-2 visitors for pleasure) from "enrolling in a course of study or taking other actions inconsistent with B nonimmigrant status" unless and until the immigration service has approved the B nonimmigrant's change to "an appropriate student nonimmigrant status." The rule applies only to B nonimmigrants who obtain B status on or after April 12, 2002. It does not apply to B nonimmigrants currently in the United States who were admitted before that date, unless they applied to have their B status extended on or after April 12, 2002.
Required Materials
Please submit the following documents to the Center for International Programs via international@newpaltz.edu or directly to the adviser you are working with regarding your Change of Status:
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I-94 Arrival Record and the I-94 records of any dependents that are changing status with you
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​Copies of current immigration status documents: visa stamp, and passport ID pages
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Financial documentation
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A letter of explanation
Procedure
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Meet with International Student Advisor
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Log in to your My ISS-Profile.
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Click on “2. Requests.”
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Under “Ongoing Requests”, click on the Change of Status I-20 Request Link.
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Ensure that your address is current in my.newpaltz.edu and that no holds exist on your record.
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Upload financial/bank Statement(s),
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Upload Letter of Sponsorship if funding is provided by parent(s), family, or other funds will support your studies
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Upload Passport Biographical Page, Visa Stamp, and I-94 Record (access via I-94 Official Website)
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Complete the Contact Information Sheet Questionnaire
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Complete the Change of Status Questionnaire
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Digitally sign the Change of Status Agreement
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Upload letter of explanation (your reason for applying for the COS to F-1 student status)
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Submit.
You will receive an email from the International Student Services office once your new I-20 is available in the International Student Platform.
Special considerations
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We recommend working with an experienced immigration lawyer when filing your USCIS change of status application.
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If you are in lawful status when you apply for a change of nonimmigrant status, you remain in lawful status until you receive your reply from the USCIS. However, you do not have the privileges of student status (working on campus, applying for practical training, etc.) until the change is approved.
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Note that you must fulfill the USCIS requirement of being in valid, qualifying status for one academic year before you may apply for practical training. B-1/B-2 is not a qualifying status for practical training.
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If you entered the United States on the Visa Waiver program with WT or WB, you are not eligible to extend or change your status. You must qualify for a new I-20, leave the country, apply for an F-1 entry visa, and return in F-1 status.
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If you have any questions, please consult International Student Programs.
