Option 1: COS Application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Option 2: Travel and Re-enter the U.S. in F-1 Student Status
COS I-20 Request Process
Students must meet with an OIS advisor prior to proceeding with a Change of Status (COS). There are two options to choose from when processing a COS to F-1 international student status:
Option 1: COS Application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
This option requires non-immigrants to file a COS within the U.S. and the processing time is approximately 3-4 months. The Graduate Admissions (GA) will issue a “Change of Status” I-20 for this type of procedure. Once you receive the I-20, you must make an appointment with an OIS immigration advisor to review the required documents for USCIS application.
Note: Simply obtaining the I-20 does not change your status to F-1. You will need to submit your application packet to USCIS and receive COS approval in order to complete your COS to F-1.
Depending upon your current status, your enrollment at USC prior to the change of status approval may be affected in the following ways:
Individuals on F-2 Status: F-2 status holders will not be able to register for classes or receive any paid assistantships or on-campus employment work authorizations until the COS has been approved.
Individuals on H-4, L-2, R-2 Statuses: This group of status holders will be able to register for classes while the COS is pending. However, this group will not be able to receive any paid assistantships or on-campus work authorizations until the COS to F-1 has been approved.
Individuals on H-1B Status: H-1B status holders will need to be advised that although you will be able to register for classes while the COS is pending, you will not be able to receive any assistantships/funding or on-campus work authorizations until the COS is approved. In addition, as your current status is dependent upon your employment and being employed, you should technically be maintaining your employment until the change of status has been approved. Any termination of your employment, even though you have a COS case pending, could affect your immigration status and your COS application, as there is no grace period for H-1B status holders if the employer terminates the employment.
Option 2: Travel and Re-enter the U.S. in F-1 Student Status
This option requires non-immigrants to depart the U.S. and re-enter in F-1 student status. The student is required to:
- Depart the U.S. with an “Initial Attendance” I-20 issued from Graduate Admissions (GA) office
- Pay the SEVIS fee (https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/)
- Apply for F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad (Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement)
- Re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status
This procedure automatically changes your status to F-1 when you enter into the U.S. The length of time this procedure takes really depends upon when you leave the U.S. and the processing time for the F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad. With this option, you will be able to register for classes and receive paid assistantships or on-campus employment immediately after you enter the U.S. on F-1 status.
COS I-20 Request Process
- Choose one of the COS options above and complete the COS I-20 Request Form.
- Make an appointment to see an Immigration Advisor at OIS and receive approval.
- Upon OIS approval of the COS, as well as submission of the appropriate financial documents to usci20@usc.edu, the I-20 will be processed within 1 week by USC GA.
Please note that once the I-20 is issued, you cannot change the type of I-20 you receive unless there is a sufficient reason for the change. Processing time for the I-20 can normally take one week if you have submitted the proper financial statement. I-20 processing questions must be emailed to GA: usci20@usc.edu.