Questions?

Int'l Student & Scholar Services
(202) 885-3350
Fax: (202) 885-3354
isss@american.edu
Butler Pavilion, Room 410

Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

ISSS advisors are available at the front desk for walk-in appointments.

Fanta Aw
Assistant Vice President of Campus Life & Director, ISSS

Mailing Address

Change of Visa Status

Changing to F-1 Visa Status

This information is for those individuals who are NOT in F status and are planning to change their status to F-1 inside the United States. Please be aware that this application is to change your status: IT WILL NOT GIVE YOU AN F-1 VISA IN YOUR PASSPORT. The next time you travel outside the United States you will be required to go to a U. S. Consulate or Embassy abroad to apply for an F-1 visa.

Please note that changing status within the US generally takes 3-4 months.

Please see the Quick Links to the right for more information about changing from your specific status type to F-1 student status. If you are interested in changing to J status or if you do not see your status type please contact us at isss@american.edu or 202-885-3350.

*PLEASE NOTE: A change of status from B1/B2 to F-1 is not advisable within the U.S. If you are changing from a B1/B2 to a F-1 it is advisable to travel outside of the U.S. and apply for a F-1 visa. Otherwise, please contact an immigration lawyer.