To change your status from G to F-1, you must follow the procedure outlined below:

1. Staple the following items together, in the order given. Keep a photocopy of each item for your records.

A. Pay SEVIS fee. You need the I-20 to pay this fee. (more information: USICE SEVIS fee page)

B. Letter from you requesting the change of status and explaining the circumstances which merit such a change. This could include how your full-time study in F-1 status will support your academic and career goals. It is recommended that an advisor at International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) review your letter before you mail your application to the USCIS.

C. Completed Form I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. (I-539 instructions). Note that applicants changing from G status are not required to pay the I-539 fee.

D. I-566 Inter Agency Record of Individual Requesting Change/Adjustment to or from ‘A’ or 'G' Status (this form must be completed by your employer and the U.S. State Department).

E. If you are the principal G-4, you must check to ensure your employment has been recorded as discontinued in the USCIS nation-wide database. If this is not the case, your application may be returned.

F. Copy of passport page with photo, name, birthdate, and passport expiration date.

G. Your signed I-20 from American University.

H. Original I-94 card (include dependent’s I-94 card, if applicable. Keep copies for your own records).

I. Copy of your proof of financial support (bank statement, scholarship letter, affidavit of support, etc.).

J. (Optional) Complete G-1145 E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance to receive an e-mail or text message from USCIS when your application is accepted. 

We recommend that an ISSS advisor reviews this packet with you before you mail it.

2. Keep a photocopy of your complete application for your records in case all or parts of your application get lost in the mail or at USCIS.

3. Mail the items listed above by Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested to (or some other method that allows you to track the delivery of the package such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.) to:

For Express mail and courier deliveries (e.g. UPS, Fed Ex, DHL, etc):
USCIS
ATTN:  I-539
2501 S. State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067 

For U.S. Postal Service (including US Postal Service Express mail):
USCIS
P.O. Box 660166
Dallas, TX 75266

Make sure to keep the receipt until USCIS sends back your approved application and documents.

The USCIS has launched a system for checking the status of your pending application at a Service Center via the Internet. The information provided is the same as can be obtained by calling the “USCIS Direct” 1 (800) 375-5283 inquiry lines at the Service Center, but the online system provides an alternative means to make an inquiry without the long wait on phone.

4. When you receive your new I-94 and I-20 with the change to F-1 status, please bring the documents to ISSS to be copied for your file.

Disclaimer: These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice or serve as a substitute for legal counsel.