Visa and I-20

A student acquires F-1 status using the Form I-20, in one of three ways:

1. TRANSFER OF CURRENT I20 TO SMCHS

Students with a current I20 and in status with SEVIS, may request to transfer their I20 to SMCHS from their current school.

2. TRAVEL AND RE-ENTRY

Use the Form I-20 issued by SMCHS and enter the United States with the I-20 and an F-1 visa obtained at a U.S. consulate abroad; or

3. CHANGE OF STATUS

Use the Form I-20 issued by SMCHS and apply to USCIS for change of nonimmigrant status (if the student is already in the United States and cannot travel). In choosing this option, you will not receive an F-1 visa, only F-1 status. 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 in order to be able to return to SMCHS.

Current F1 Visa Students

Current F1 Visa Students

SMCHS will request an I20 transfer from the student’s current school as long as the I20 is still in status. I20s will be transferred effective the last day of class at the student’s current school. Processing time for students to receive the new I20 from SMCHS is approximately 2 weeks.

Students must submit the documentation below during the application process.

Copy of passport
Copy of current visa
Copy of current I20
Documentation of financial support
A brief handwritten statement stating: “Why I would like to attend SMCHS”

Accepted and registered students must complete and submit the I20 Student Information Form to initiate the I20 transfer process.

Option 1: Travel and Reentry

Leave the U.S., apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate, and reenter the U.S. with the new visa and other relevant documents. You will gain your new status when you are admitted into the U.S.

Follow the steps required to apply for a student visa on the U.S. Department of State website here

Advantages

This process is usually faster than changing status in the U.S.
You will obtain the visa and the status

Disadvantages

Possibility of visa processing delay
Expense of travel

Paying the SEVIS Fee
Applicants for a F-1 visa need to pay a SEVIS fee, prior to submitting the visa application. A brief description and instructions about how to process the SEVIS fee payment can be found here US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

Option 2: Change Status in the U.S.

Newly admitted students considering an application for a change of status must consult with the SMCHS International Admissions Director before submitting the application. Your I-20 must be issued for change of status not initial entry.

Students are required to submit an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status. Fees and instructions are on the USCIS I-539, Application To Change Nonimmigrant Status webpage.

This option allows you to change your nonimmigrant status while remaining in the U.S. With this option you may gain the new status but you will not receive a new visa; visas are only issued outside the U.S.

Change of Status is a complicated process which in some cases can result in requests for further evidence or a denial. In order to submit the best possible application, we suggest that you contact an immigration attorney.

Advantages

Ability to stay in the U.S. during processing
Avoid the hassle of a visa application process (for now)

Disadvantages

Processing can be very slow (six to nine months, and as long as one year), which may jeopardize your ability to begin school
You must stay in the U.S. during processing; exiting the U.S. cancels the application
You must still obtain a visa stamp to match your status the next time you travel outside the U.S. (except for trips under 30 days to Canada or Mexico)
The application might be denied, which could require you to quickly depart the U.S.

When deciding which option is best for you, you should consider various factors:

Upcoming travel plans
Application processing times
The expiration date or special conditions of your current status.

Important things to remember:

If you are currently in B1/B2 status:

Individuals in B1/B2 status are prohibited from “enrolling in a course of study” until after USCIS approves their change of status application.
If you are currently in any other status (ex. L or F2.):
- If your current status allows full-time studies in the U.S., you may start classes before your change of status application is approved.

Students Who Submit a Change of Status Application to USCIS:

Provide a copy of your USCIS Receipt Notice to the SMCHS International Student Admissions Office francisj@smhs.org.

In order to be eligible to enroll and start school, you must provide a copy of your USCIS I-797 Approval Notice to the SMCHS International Student Admissions Office francisj@smhs.org.

If your application is still pending after the I-20 program start date, SMCHS must issue you a new I-20 with a deferred program start date and you cannot attend SMCHS until approved by USCIS.

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