Becoming an F-1 Student While in Residing in your Home Country
After you successfully apply for International Admissions, NHCC will issue you a SEVIS Form I-20. You need an I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate Office.
Documents you need for your F-1 visa interview include:
- Completed visa application form, available online from the US Embassy/Consulate.
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Photographs for your visa application.
- Original I-20 from NHCC Admissions.
- NHCC Admission letter
- SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt. (The fee payment must be made at least 3 days prior to your visa interview).
- Visa fee. Check with your U.S. Embassy/Consulate a for the fee amount.
- Valid passport.
- Original school transcripts and public examination certificates (TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.), if applicable.
- Documents (originals or certified copies) that demonstrate the financial support for the expenses listed on your I-20.
- Evidence to demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
Changing to an F-1 Student While Residing in the US
If you pursue F-1 status while you are in the US, you must begin by meeting with the International Student Advisor, who will help you file a change of status application. Please be aware that the change of status process may take up to five months or longer.
Documents you need for a change of status application include:
- Brief letter of explanation why you want to change your status to F-1. Possibilities include opportunity to travel abroad, off-campus internship opportunities, eligibility for practical training after graduation, etc. Also explain how your degree program will benefit you upon your return to your home country.
- Original I-20 from NHCC Admissions.
- Completed I-539 form - Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status.
- Check or money order made out to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for $200.
- SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt.
- Copy (front and back) of your I-94 (Arrival/Departure card). The USCIS will generate a new I-94 card as part of the change of status approval.
- Copy of your current immigration status documents, visa stamp, and passport.
- Documents (originals or certified copies) that demonstrate the financial support for the expenses listed on your I-20.
- Dependent family member information. If dependent family members also currently in the US plan to change their status to F-2 (dependent of F-1), include their information in the I-539 form, and provide copies of their I-94, passport, visa, etc.
- If you are married and your spouse has a different last name, a copy of your marriage certificate is recommended.
- If you are currently in F-2 visa status, verification that your spouse/parent maintained F-1 status as a full-time student during his/her studies.
- If you are currently on a dependent visa (H-4, F-2, J-2, TD, or other), a copy of your spouse/parent’s I-94, visa, passport information pages, and other immigration documents.
Visa Categories Unable to Pursue Change of Status While in the US
The following visa holders may pursue a change of status to F-1 visa only by leaving the US and re-entering:
- M-1 students
- C,D and K non-immigrants
- J-1 Physicians in the U.S. for medical training
- J non-immigrants subject to 212(e), 2-year rule
- WT and WB visitors under the Visa Waiver Program
Enrollment Requirements Pending Change of Status
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For all visa holders except B-1, B-2, and F-2, you must enroll at NHCC as a full time student (12 credits per semester) while the change of status application is pending. If your change of status to F-1 is approved and you are not a full-time student, it may be determined you are out of status, which then requires you to apply for reinstatement to correct your immigration status.
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For visa holders of B-1, B-2, and F-2, you are not allowed to begin your studies until your change of status to F-1 has been approved by USCIS.
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