Change of Status F-1 International Student Admissions

If you are in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa (for example B1/B2, H1) and wish to change your status to F-1, this application is for you.

During this process, you must remain in the U.S until your application is adjudicated and, once approved, you will be subject to travel restrictions that do not apply to regular F-1 students. You must be admitted into a full-time program of study at Houston City College (HCC) and obtain the SEVIS Form I-20 from the Office of International Services & Programs (ISP). You are only eligible to change status to F-1 if all of the following items apply:

  1. Your current non-immigrant status is valid at the time USCIS receives the change of status to F-1 application.
  2. Your most recent entry to the U.S. was not under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or ESTA  for business (WB status) or tourism (WT status).

It's recommended, but not required, that you have been in you current visa status for at least three months before filing a change of status to F-1 with USCIS, or (b) you can provide USCIS proof of no preconceived intent to study at the time of last entry to U.S.

Other things to keep in mind:

  • If you are currently in J-1/J-2 status and subject to 212e or the two-year home residency requirement, you not eligible to apply for a change of status in the U.S. unless you have obtained a waiver of this requirement.
  • Important! Individuals currently in the U.S. with B-1/B-2 visitor status are prohibited from enrolling in a course of study; doing so is considered a violation of immigration status. If they wish to study, they must obtain F-1 student status approval from USCIS or obtain an F-1 visa (departing the U.S., applying for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. consulate in the home country, and reentering the U.S. on an F-1 visa) before they can enroll in school. Refer to C.F.R. § 214.2(b)(7).
  • If you are an international student planning to attend HCC on a status different than F-1 (DACA, refugee, L visa, H visa, etc.), please follow the instructions for non-international students (First-Time, Transfer, Returning, etc.) at Apply & Enroll.

Steps to Apply as a Change of Status F-1 International Student

  1. Submit Your Application

    To complete your application, you'll need to create an account in our online system. You can start your application today and finish it in the future.

    After you submit your application, you'll receive an email with your conditional acceptance letter and a welcome email that contains your HCC Student ID number and P-number (if assigned). 

    Note: Change of status applications are processed only for one semester at a time based on specific eligibility criteria. We must receive your application on or before:

    • Fall Semester: Last workshop in July
    • Spring Semester: November 11 (Workshop sessions start in September)
    • Summer Semester: April 1 (Workshop sessions start in February)

    Start Your Application

    Already have a HCC ID?

    If you already have a HCC student ID, skip this step and see the next step to register for a Change of Status Workshop.

  2. Attend a Change of Status Virtual Workshop

    Change of Status (COS) applicants must register and attend one of the COS workshop sessions. The session covers all aspects of the COS process.  Instructions about the documents will be provided during the virtual workshop. The initial Change of Status SEVIS Form I-20 will be reviewed and processed within 10 business days once all required documents are submitted. 

    A checklist will be added to your HCC account two (2) business days after you attend the virtual workshop.

    What You Need Before Scheduling Your Session

    1. Your HCC ID
    2. The DATE listed on your I-94 as “admit until date”  OR your expected visa/status termination date (for work visas this will be the last day of their employment + 60-day grace period; for some dependents – the date of reaching the age limit.)
      1. You can print out your I-94 here. If you have a previous status change, you will use the I-94 on your latest COS approval notice.
    3. Visa type -- Located on your I-94/ latest COS approval notice/passport stamp
    4. If you have applied for/ or are in the process of applying for an extension or update of your current status, please indicate so in order to be able to continue with the registration. A receipt of the application for an extension should be added to the I-94 section of the Uploadable Checklist that will be assigned to participant accounts after they attend the virtual workshop. Your nonimmigrant status should be unexpired at the time of filing the initial COS to F-1 application, and you should be otherwise eligible for COS.

    How to Schedule & Register and Attend the workshop via WebEx

    You need to complete two registrations: first, register on our website, second, register in Webex. 

    1. First fill out our Change of Status Workshop Request Form.
    2. Please follow the instructions and fill out all the required fields. Go to the "Click here to display sessions" button, click on it, and choose a workshop date.
    3. You will receive an email from HCC ISP (hcc.isp@hccs.edu) with a WebEx Registration link.  Note: Check your email, including the junk/spam folder, to find the HCC ISP email.
    4. Register for the virtual workshop following the email instructions and the provided link.  Note: Check your email, including the junk/spam folder, to find the HCC ISP email.
    5. Once you register, you will receive an email from Webex (messenger@webex.com) confirming your registration for Webex webinar. Note: Check your email including the junk/spam folder to find the Webex email.
    6. Fifteen (15) minutes prior to the event (not earlier), you will be able to join the workshop online to check the status of your audio/video settings. Our workshops are set up for Central Standard Time (CST) Time Zone (US & Canada). The workshop is conducted in English.

    Register Now

    Are Your Eligible?

    If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for the current sessions, you may consider applying for an extension of your current status or leaving the country and applying as a NEW first-time student.

    First-Time F-1 Student

  3. Submit Your Additional Application Materials

    Once you've received your conditional acceptance letter, you won't be officially admitted to HCC until after you submit additional required materials, which include:

    1. SEVIS Form I-20 Application. If you have more than one dependent who is joining you in the U.S., you will need to submit an additional page for each of them.
    2. Complete and sign the Legal Waiver and Release PDF Form.
    3. A copy of your passport (biometric page only). If you plan to bring your dependents on F-2 status, add copies of their passports as well as marriage and birth certificates.
    4. A copy of your latest visa (or Change of Status approval notice I-797)*
    5. I-94 Departure Record: Print out your I-94. Click on Get most recent I-94; do not upload the travel history page. If you have changed your status in the U.S.,  provide the I-94 on the Change of Status approval notice I-797. If your non-immigrant status has expired, please include receipt of the application for an extension/ or update of your status*/**
    6. Your financial documentation. The documents you need to submit will depend on your situation. UCSIS Expects COS applicants to provide evidence for financial support covering the full amount shown on the Form I-20: $22,980 for the primary holder and $4,400 for each dependent. Learn more about the required financial documents.
    7. Your $75 non-refundable application fee. You can pay the fee online using a credit card or funds transfer from your local bank (via Flywire). Receipt will be emailed to your preferred address on file. Save the receipt as a PDF. 

    You can submit and complete these items in the student system under your F-1 Student Checklist. A checklist will appear in your HCC account two (2) business days after you attend the virtual workshop. Follow this tutorial for more detailed instructions.

    * Provide this document for all dependents (spouse/ children under 21) who are in the U.S. and are changing status with you; provide also marriage and birth certificates. This is also required for the primary visa holder if your current status is based on their visa. All supporting documents should be in English or translated into English. When children "age out" at the age of 21, they are no longer in lawful status under their parent's visa. 

    **You should be in lawful non-immigrant status at the time of filing the initial COS to F-1/F-2 application. Examples of documents showing that you are currently in lawful non-immigrant status can include Form I-94, DS-2019 for J1/2, Form I-20 for F-2 status, Form I-797: receipt of the application for an extension/ or update of status.

    Access the Student System

    How to Submit Your Documents

    All documents must be combined and submitted in a single PDF file. The file name must be 30 characters or fewer and cannot include special characters. Bad-quality or upside-down documents will be rejected.

  4. Receive Your Change of Status SEVIS Form I-20

    Once we receive all of your documents, it will take about 10 business days to process your SEVIS Form I-20. This time will vary depending on when you submitted your application. When you are officially accepted to Houston City College, you'll receive your I-20 form and your official acceptance letter (with specific instructions) in your email.

    You can check the status of your I-20 form at any time by logging into the Student System and viewing your To-Do checklist.  If the only item in your list is "I-20 In Process," your application is under review by your assigned Designated School Official (DSO).  If you see any other items in your To-Do list, you must upload the required documents so that your application can be reviewed. 

    If you haven't heard from us within 10 business days (weekends and holidays not included), please email oiss.international@hccs.edu to check the status of your application. Make sure to include your HCC ID in the email subject line.

    Once you receive the I-20, we recommend you proofread the following information on the form:

    • Names
    • Date of Birth
    • Form Issue Reason: CHANGE OF STATUS
    • Start of Classes: (shows the date for the initial semester of attendance)
    • DSO signature

    Fire up the Printer

    Make sure to print out the I-20 for yourself (F-1) and for your dependents (F-2), if any. Sign the first page of the I-20 in ink as students are not allowed electronic signatures. In case of any discrepancies, please contact your DSO for corrections BEFORE filing the COS application I-539.

  5. Pay Your I-901 fee

    For your change of status, you must pay a fee through the U.S. government. HCC cannot assist you with these steps.

    • Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee using the information on your I-20. (Dependent applicants do not pay this fee.)
      1. Houston City College's school code is HOU 214F 00354 000.
      2. If you are from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Gambia, you must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay or certified check drawn from a U.S. bank.
      3. If you are from any other country, you have the option to pay with a credit card online.
      4. For help with paying your SEVIS I-901 fee, call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400.

    Don't Forget to Pay

    Failure to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee will result in the denial of your change of status to F-1 application. If your I-20 record in SEVIS database does not show I-901 fee payment, it will not be deferred to the next available semester and your application will be denied.

  6. File your COS Application Package with USCIS

    You can file online or by mail.

    File Online

    Conditions to File Form I-539 Online

    You are applying:

    • Only for yourself, without co-applicants; and
    • You will not require legal or accredited representation at any point in your request.

    Step-by-step information on How to Create a USCIS Account:

    • Create or access your alreexisting USCIS online account
    • Choose Form I-539 Online

    Filing online helps you to: Get your application into our processing queue faster than mail delivery; ensure you are using the correct version of the form; and communicate with USCIS directly, without sending or receiving paper mail.

    Prepare and upload:

    1. Copy of passport (at least 6 months from the filing date, or include a receipt for extension or renewal)
    2. Copy of Visa
    3. Copy of Form I-94. Click on Get most recent I-94; or your Notice of Action I-797A if you have changed status in the U.S.
    4. Financial Documents
    5. Personal letter: View a Sample Personal Letter for Change of Status
    6. Other supporting documents….
    7. Form I-20 for Change of Status signed by DSO and student (all pages)
    8. Receipt of paid SEVIS I-901 fee

    Pay the filing fee at the end of the application. View the latest filing fee instructions. After the fee is paid, your form will be submitted and you will have access to your receipt and case number. Use your USCIS online account to:

    • Receive your biometrics appointment notice
    • Receive status updates about your case
    • Respond to any correspondence in which we ask you to submit evidence
    • Update your contact information if it changes.

    File by Mail

    You may also apply by mail: As a single applicant with co-applicants/dependents; and/or you require legal or accredited representation at any point in your request.

    Assemble all documents according to the COS Mailing Checklist. Use paper clips; do not use staples to attach documents together.

    USCIS requires each applicant and co-applicant (dependent) to attend an appointment that will be scheduled at a USCIS Applicant Support Center (ACS) where biometrics such as fingerprints will be collected. Form I-539A is to be used for multiple individuals such as family members.

    View the latest filing fees instructions.

  7. Submit a Copy of the USCIS Receipt

    You must submit a copy of the USCIS receipt to avoid cancellation of your application. Once you submit your application to USCIS, you will receive a Form I-797C Notice of Action (receipt) both by mail and electronically if you applied online. In some instances, you may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) notice, which will include a deadline for your response. If you hire an immigration lawyer, ensure you can access all notifications from USCIS promptly to ensure that your I-20 won't be canceled.

    Our office  provides automatic deferments to the next available semester only for qualifying applicants who meet the following requirements:  

    1. SEVIS fee I-901 has been paid (not required for uploading, we can verify it in SEVIS system)
    2. Form I-797C Notice of Action Receipt (required)
    3. Request for Evidence (RFE) (required if any)

    Using your smartphone, tablet, or available computer and scanner, you will need to create and upload the document(s) listed above. Acceptable file formats for uploads are PDF (preferred), JPEG, GIF and PNG. Once your files are ready, fill out our online USCIS form and upload your documents.

    USCIS Form

    You will receive an email from LFForms@hccs.edu acknowledging the receipt of documents or informing you about missing/incomplete documents you are required to provide. If you don't get the email, check your spam/junk folders.

    Other resources available to you:

    Your receipt number is printed in the upper left corner of the USCIS Form I-797C “Notice of Action” receipt.

  8. Attend USCIS Biometric Services Appointment

    USCIS will determine the need for biometric appointments. Applicants (F-1) and co-applicants (F-2) will receive a biometric services appointment notice, regardless of age, containing their individual receipt number.

    Biometric services appointments will be scheduled at the Application Support Center (ASC) closest to the primary applicant’s address. Co-applicants who wish to be scheduled at a different ASC location should file a separate Form I-539. If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your application.

  9. Monitor your Case Status

    You will need to monitor your case Status for Request for Evidence (RFE), Approval or Denial notices. When the applicant’s status changes to Approved, Denied, or in case of Request for Evidence (RFE) the student should inform our office immediately at oiss.international@hccs.edu.

    Check weekly for the status of your application on the USCIS Case Status web page. Use the receipt (case) number printed in the upper left corner of the USCIS Form I-797 “Notice of Action” receipt. This receipt number is a unique 13-character identifier that consists of three letters followed by 10 numbers.

    Creating a personalized account with USCIS at my.uscis.gov. allows you to receive your most recent case updates including up to the last five actions on your case, simplifies case management, and access to your electronically filed applications.

    Request of Evidence

    If the USCIS needs further clarification from you regarding your application, a RFE notice will be sent to you. It is important to follow the instructions on the RFE carefully and by the noted deadline.  If an RFE is not filed correctly in a timely manner, it may result in the denial of your Change of Status application. For what kind of information might appear in an RFE, see the examples section below.

    It is very important to monitor your mail about messages from USCIS. Students with electronically filed applications will have immediate access to their RFEs while students who have applied by mail will have to wait to receive the paper RFE in their mailbox. In both cases, students should contact their assigned DSO and submit a copy of the RFE.

    In case of delay of the RFE by mail, the applicant should call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

    Status: Approved

    Students should inform our office immediately at oiss.international@hccs.edu and submit all documents using our online Change of Status Check-in Form. Sometimes there are delays in the mailing of the official copy of the I-797A Notice of Action. However, the approval start date can vary, and in order to prevent F-1 status termination, the student should start immediately working on securing timely enrollment at HCC. In the meantime, we recommend students to call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. A delayed or lost Form I-797A is not an excuse for not reporting and enrolling at HCC for the relevant semester. 

    Status: Denied

    You should be prepared to leave the country in order to prevent accruing unlawful presence. 

    A Change of Status denial cannot be appealed. However, if you disagree with this decision, or if you have additional evidence that shows this decision is incorrect, you may submit a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider by completing a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion. A motion to reopen must state the new facts to be considered and must be supported by affidavits or other new documentary evidence. A motion to reconsider must show that the decision was legally incorrect according to statute, regulation, and/or precedent decision.

    The motion must be filed within 33 days from the date of the denial notice. You may need to consult with an immigration lawyer. Please visit www.hlrs.org or call 713-237-9429  or 1-800-289-4577.

  10. Prep for Enrollment While Waiting for Your Approval

    You must be ready for enrollment at HCC as failure to take all tests and be cleared for enrollment at the time of COS approval may result in the termination of your newly approved F-1 status!

    Please note that the DSO/International Student Advisors in the International Office are not able to assist with testing authorization or class enrollment. For assistance with testing authorization, testing fee payment, test scores, class enrollment, or change of major, connect with the HCC Enrollment & Advising Services teams. You can access these services either at your local HCC campus or through our Virtual Enrollment & Advising Services.

    Next steps

    1. Receive testing authorization. Pay the testing fee at the cashier’s office on campus or via your HCC portal, and bring the receipt to the testing center on campus to take the exam. Make sure to have a photo ID to present before taking the test.

    More information about Testing and English proficiency

    Documents with passing English proficiency scores should be sent to HCC as instructed. Evaluated foreign credentials or U.S transcripts should be sent to HCC.  Learn how to submit your transcripts.

    2. Submit proof of meningitis vaccine if you are younger than 22 at a campus or email to vaccine@hccs.edu

    3. Take Academic Preparedness Test TSI. This test is for students who have met the English proficiency requirements. You may be eligible for TSI exemption or to transfer some of your courses if you have evaluated foreign higher education credentials.

    4. Meet with your Academic Advisor on campus or virtually. In order to request a virtual appointment with an academic advisor, please visit our Virtual Lobby.

    The academic advisor will review your test scores and academic credentials (if any) and will set up your HCC academic profile to enable you to register for classes. This will include meeting both the English proficiency requirement and College Readiness Requirement (TSI Assessment). Students who have not met the  English proficiency requirement will be placed in the appropriate level of Intensive English classes based on their Accuplacer scores. 

    B1/B2 are not allowed to attend classes prior to approval to F-1 status.

    Failure to take the required placement tests and be cleared for enrollment at the time of COS approval may result in the termination of your newly approved F-1 status!

    Virtual Lobby

  11. Steps after Receiving Your Approval Notice I-797A

    Prepare to upload copies of the following documents as PDFs: This is a time-sensitive step! Once you receive your decision by email or mail, you must submit the required documents as instructed below.

    Online Check-In for COS Approved Students

    Prepare to upload copies of the following documents in PDF to our online form under the "Upload Documents" tab:

    1. Form I-20*
    2. COS Approval Notice I-797A*
    3. Receipt of payment of the non-refundable orientation fee – you can pay this with a credit card online through the PeopleSoft / Student Account sign-in. For more information, see International Payment Tutorial (Flywire).  Allow pop-ups on your browser.

    *You must provide this document for all dependents (spouse/ children) on an F-2 visa.

    Once you submit all required documents, our office will remove the International Advisement Required Hold from your account so you can proceed with enrollment.

    To complete the F-1 onboarding process, connect with the Enrollment Services staff located on a HCC campus or via our Virtual Lobby.

    Failure to take the placement tests and be cleared for enrollment at the time of COS approval may result in the termination of your newly approved F-1 status!

    COS Check-in Form

Request for Evidence Examples

Below are examples of Request for Evidence (RFE) letters you may get from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Usually, the maximum period allowed for responding is 30 days from the date on the letter.

  • Documentary Evidence of Current Finances
  • Banks Outside of the United States

You are required to show that you have the financial means to pay for the course of study as indicated on your SEVIS Form I-20. In addition, you must substantiate that you will have the financial ability to pay for your course of study and living expenses for the entire period of study as indicated on your Form I-20.

Submit the last three (3) months of original bank statements (translated in English) that include all deposits and withdrawals to include explanations as evidence that you are able to provide immediate funds for your first year of study, as well as an ability to provide this support throughout the duration of your study.

If you submit documentation that includes foreign currency, calculate the value in U.S. Dollars and include evidence of the source for the currency conversion exchange rate.

You submitted foreign financial records for your personal bank account (XXX Bank). Indicate how you access the funds while in the United States. If the funds will be transferred to an account in the United States, including three (3) months of bank statements for those accounts that show all deposits and withdrawals for the account.

Note: Any financial records you submit need to include the full name of the account holder and the address of the bank.

  • Documentary Evidence of Return Ticket
  • Documentary Evidence of Residence Abroad

Submit evidence to establish that you have made arrangements to depart the United States upon completion of your temporary stay in the United States. Such evidence includes an airline ticket or other transportation ticket or evidence that you have the funds necessary to secure your departure from the United States.

Regulations require that an F-1 student establish that he/she has a residence in a foreign country, which he or she has no intention of abandoning, is a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study and seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing such a course of study. Submit documentation to establish that you have a foreign residence where you intend to reside upon expiration of your F-1 status. Such documentation includes current telephone bills, current utility bills, current mortgage statements, current rental agreements, current rent receipts, etc.

  • Impact on Foreign Employment
  • Initial Contact

Submit a statement explaining any effect the extended stay may have on your foreign employment.

Submit a letter from your international student advisor setting forth the date the school was first contacted on your behalf and the date you filed your application for admission to the school.

  • Applicants with Previous F-1 and F-2 Student Records
  • Statement to Customs and Border Protection

Explain in detail the previous school filings. Provide a detailed statement explaining why you did not apply for a change of status to F-1 and F-2 while you were outside of the United States. Moreover, why you did not go to the U.S. Embassy to apply for F-1 and F-2 visas but entered the U.S. as tourists.

Provide a statement that answers the following questions: When you were admitted to the United States, did you disclose to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer that you were seeking to study? If not, provide an explanation of why you did not disclose that possibility.

  • Reason for Most Recent Entry into the United States

Submit a detailed statement describing your activities in the United States prior to applying for a change of status to F-1. Include any traveling, visiting friends or relatives, and/or any other tourist activities. Submit documentation such as travel or accommodation receipts to add weight to the merits of your statement.

Note: Statements alone may be insufficient to establish eligibility and should be accompanied by any available supporting documentary evidence.

  • Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, Application

A review of the official records reveals that an immigrant petition has been filed for you. However, as per the instruction of Form I-539, the record does not show that you provided a description of the circumstances described and explained on a separate piece of paper.  As per these instructions, provide a statement that describes the circumstances and your intent in detail on filing Form I-130. Submit a copy of the I-797, Notice of Action for the I-130 Petition for Alien Resident listing you as the beneficiary.

  • Purpose of Course of Study
  • Evidence of Intent to Depart

Submit a detailed statement to explain how your proposed course of study will benefit your current career path and goals. Also, include a detailed statement to explain the effect of your proposed change of status on your foreign employment and residency.

Submit a statement in which you describe your intention concerning departure from the United States upon completion of your proposed study.

  • Translation and Currency
  • Affidavit of Support

If you submit documents that include foreign currency denominations, please calculate their value in U.S. dollars. Please include evidence of the source for the currency conversion exchange rates. If you submit a document in any language other than English, you must include a full English translation. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate and that he or she is competent to translate from a foreign language to English. Official extracts are acceptable, but only if they contain all the information necessary to make a decision on the case. Only extracts prepared by an authorized official (the “keeper of the record”) are acceptable. A summary of a document prepared by a translator is unacceptable.

If you have a sponsor, your sponsor should submit a notarized statement or affidavit of support specifying the intended type and amount of financial contributions he or she will make on your behalf to cover your various costs (such as tuition and school expenses, room and board, living expenses, medical expenses, health insurance, etc.). Your sponsor should submit documentary evidence demonstrating that he or she is able to provide immediate funds to cover expenses associated with your first year of study. In addition, your sponsor should provide evidence of his or her ability to fund your tuition and living expenses for the duration of the course of study. Such supportive evidence may include but is not limited to, current employment records, tax records, business records, property records, etc.

  • Ability to Read and Understand English Language

You are asking to study English as a Second Language (ESL) as indicated on the SEVIS Form I-20, and you indicate on Part 5 of the I-539 Application (Applicants Statement): “I can read and understand each and every question of the form, as well as my answer to each question.” If you can read and understand English, please explain why you are seeking ESL training.

Government regulations require you to maintain a valid nonimmigrant status up to the filing date of your instant application.

Submit the following to establish that you have maintained your J nonimmigrant status up to the date of filing:

  • Submit copies of your three most recent check stubs from your J-1 program employer.
  • Submit a letter from your Responsible Officer and/or Program Sponsor detailing that you have been maintaining your J nonimmigrant status.
  • Submit school records from all the colleges/post-secondary schools you have attended.
  • Submit all Forms DS-2019 previously issued to you.
  • If you are subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement of Section 212€ of the Immigration and Nationality Act, please submit evidence that you have been granted a waiver of that requirement.

Provide the following evidence to establish that you were in valid nonimmigrant status at the time your Form I-539 was filed:

  • Submit a detailed, chronological list of all activities in which you’ve engaged since being admitted to the United States. For example, if you were engaged in tourist activities, include all the towns and cities and tourist attractions, such as parks and museums that you have visited, to the best of your knowledge. You need not include any places you transited through or otherwise stopped in on your way to such destinations, provided you did not stay overnight, or stopover in any such place for a significant period of time. If you were visiting a friend or relative, provide the name and address of the person and the dates visited. Provide documentary evidence of such activities, which may include, but is not limited to receipts, bank statements, credit card statements, hotel invoices, rent receipts, and affidavits from those you have visited.

Additional Information

The decision will be made solely by the USCIS officer who will adjudicate the change of status application.  USCIS business practices and regulations may change without notice. 

The student is responsible for information provided in the COS application and decisions made by USCIS do not reflect the actions of the HCC International Services and Programs.

If you leave the country, USCIS will consider your application abandoned. In case you must travel because of an emergency/unexpected circumstance while your COS case is still pending with USCIS, you should plan to withdraw your application from USCIS and notify our office via email as well.

If you obtain your F-1 status through a change of status process with USCIS, remember that you will only receive an F-1 status, not an F-1 visa. 

This means that the first time you travel outside the U.S. while in F-1 status, you will have to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate/embassy in order to be able to return to the U.S.

You need to schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy/ Consulate abroad and submit all necessary documents while you are outside of the U.S. 

It can be much more difficult to obtain a visa stamp in a 3rd country, such as Canada or Mexico, if you are not a national of that country. 

If you intend to apply for a visa in a country other than your home country, you will need to check with the consulate/embassy to determine if this is an option.

If denied a visa, you must return to your home country to apply for a visa there. 

If your nonimmigrant status is based on the fact that you are a family member or dependent (unmarried children under 21 years of age) of an individual who has already been granted nonimmigrant status, then you must file your application while that individual maintains a valid nonimmigrant status. Family members and dependents are limited to the same period of authorized stay as the principal immigrant.

You may include your spouse and your unmarried children under 21 years of age as co-applicants in your application change of status, but only if you are all now in the U.S. and in the same status or they are all in derivative status.  The primary applicant applies for a Change of status to F-1, while the co-applicants will be included in the primary applicant's I-20 and will each receive an F-2 I-20 that should be submitted as supporting evidence with the I-539A application.

If you apply as part of a family, you may choose to:

  1. Apply together, using paper Form I-539 uscis.gov/i-539, and pay a single fee
  2. Apply online at the my.uscis.gov website as individuals, and pay a fee for each application.

The EOIR provides a listing of attorneys in your state who provide immigration services either for free or for little cost. They also provide a list of accredited representatives and recognized organizations. The American Bar Association also provides information on finding legal services in your state.

When choosing an attorney you should:

  • Make sure that the attorney is eligible to practice in – and is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of – any U.S. state, possession, territory or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
  • Make sure that the attorney is not under any court order restricting his or her practice of law.
  • Ask to see the attorney’s current licensing document, and verify through the state agency responsible for regulating attorneys that he or she is eligible to practice.
  • Check the List of Currently Disciplined Practitioners online. This is where the Executive Office for Immigration Review lists people who have been expelled, disbarred or suspended from practicing law before USCIS. Attorneys who are on the list and who have a “No” in the last column on the right are not eligible to give you legal advice. Ask to see a copy of the reinstatement order from the EOIR.

WARNING: “Notarios,” notary publics, immigration consultants and businesses cannot give you immigration legal advice unless they are authorized service providers. In many other countries, the word “notario” means that the individual is a powerful attorney, but that is not true in the U.S. If you need help with immigration issues, be very careful before paying money to anyone who is neither an attorney nor a EOIR-accredited representative of a EOIR-recognized organization.

Additional Resources

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We are excited to welcome all international students to Houston City College. We're ready to answer your questions about the admissions process, choosing your program, or anything else you may need. To get help online, visit our Virtual Lobby.

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