No Study in B-2 Status: You cannot begin a course of study while remaining in B-2 status. A pending Form I-539 does not itself confer F-1 status. You generally must wait until USCIS approves the change of status and the F-1 status becomes effective before beginning the F-1 course of study.
F-1 Program Start & B-2 Status Timing Checker
Form I-539 Application Checklist
| Document / Item | USCIS Requirement | Filing Details |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-20 | Initial SEVIS Form I-20 | Issued by the SEVP-certified school for the F-1 program and used to support the requested change of status. |
| SEVIS I-901 Fee | $350 USD Receipt | The F-1/M-1 SEVIS I-901 fee is $350 and must be paid as required before applying for the change of status. |
| Form I-539 Fee | $420 Online / $470 Paper | General I-539 filing fee. If eligible, Form I-907 Premium Processing is a separate filing and fee. |
| Proof of Financial Support | Evidence of ability to pay for studies and support | Provide appropriate financial documentation demonstrating the ability to pay for the proposed studies and support yourself, and any accompanying family members where applicable. |
| Valid Passport & I-94 | Unexpired Passport + I-94 Record | Documents the authorized period of admission and supports the determination that the applicant was in valid B-2 status when filing. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You may not enroll in or begin a course of study in B-2 status. A pending Form I-539 does not itself give you F-1 student status. You generally must wait until USCIS approves the change of status and the F-1 status becomes effective before beginning the F-1 course of study.
The 30-day rule does not mean that your B-2 status must remain valid until 30 days before the F-1 program start date. USCIS Form I-539 instructions state that a B-2 applicant seeking F-1 change of status generally does not need a subsequent extension-of-stay filing merely to bridge a gap of up to 30 days before the program start date, provided the B-2 status was unexpired when the F-1 change-of-status application was filed and the applicant otherwise remains eligible. USCIS may approve the F-1 change of status effective on the date of final adjudication or the applicable requested effective date.
Under the current USCIS fee schedule, the general Form I-539 filing fee is $420 for online filing and $470 for paper filing. An F-1 applicant must also pay the applicable $350 SEVIS I-901 fee. If eligible for Premium Processing, Form I-907 and its separate $1,965 fee may also apply.
Yes. USCIS offers Premium Processing through Form I-907 for eligible Form I-539 applications requesting F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, or M-2 status. The current Premium Processing fee for eligible I-539 cases is $1,965. The applicable premium-processing timeframe is measured in business days, not calendar days, and USCIS takes adjudicative action within the applicable statutory timeframe rather than guaranteeing approval.
Leaving the United States while a Form I-539 change-of-status request is pending generally results in abandonment of the requested change of status. If you leave, you generally must seek admission from abroad in the appropriate F-1 classification and comply with applicable visa requirements before returning to begin F-1 study. The exact visa requirement depends on your circumstances and any applicable exception.
USCIS requires documentation demonstrating your ability to pay for your studies and support yourself, and any accompanying family members where applicable. Your Form I-20 identifies the school's estimated costs, and you should provide credible financial evidence supporting your ability to meet those costs. USCIS does not prescribe one universal document type or require every applicant to submit a Form I-134 or a specific amount of liquid funds.
Official U.S. Government Portals
• USCIS Form I-539 Change of Status Portal: uscis.gov/i-539
• ICE SEVP SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment Portal: fmjfee.com
• DHS Study in the States Change of Status Guide: studyinthestates.dhs.gov