The document outlines the steps required for a prospective student to change their immigration status to an F-1 student visa at VCU. It lists the required documentation, including proof of acceptance to a VCU program, financial support documentation, passport and visa information, and forms. It notes the student must demonstrate eligibility for the change of status and cannot have allowed a previous status to expire. The process involves submitting the documentation, receiving an I-20 from VCU, and mailing the application to USCIS who will notify the student when the change of status is approved.

1. Steps for Change of Status to F-1 Student Visa
The International Student Advisor will not issue an I-20 for a prospective student until the
student has been officially accepted by International Admissions to a VCU program including
the English Language Program. The prospective student must also demonstrate eligibility for a
change of status to F-1. If the prospective student has allowed his current status to expire, he is
not eligible for a change of status.
Required Information:
1. VCU International Admissions acceptance letter
2. Proof of financial support in the form of bank statements and sponsorship letters
3. Copies of relevant passport pages (bio page with birthday, expiration date, & visa stamp)
4. If student is a dependent, we must have copies of the primary’s immigration
documents and the four (4) most recent pay stubs from the current employer. Also, four
(4) of the most recent monthly bank statements.
5. Copy of I-94 front & back (the entry stamp must be legible)
6. Form I-539 (see link to F-1 Forms)
7. Letter from student explaining request for change of status and non-immigrant intent
8. Additional documentation of non-immigrant intent (legal proof of property ownership in
home country, household registers, letters of employment etc…)
9. Filing fee of $300.00 in check made out to “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.”
After ALL the above documents have been submitted to this office:
10. Form I-20 (issued by GEO-Immigration Services)
11. Form I-797 receipt from SEVIS fee payment of $200.00
• Please complete Form I-539 front and back, also adding dependents* on the
supplemental page if needed.
• Student must include proof of financial support for the academic year. This should
correspond with the number of months on the I-20 or to the number of English Language
Program Sessions that the student wishes to attend.
• Include copy of I-94 card. A new I-94, reflecting the new status will be generated. The
process takes approximately six months.
*NOTE: If the student has dependents and wants to change them to F-2, we must see
appropriate financial support for them ($5000 per academic year for each additional dependent).
We will also need copies of the passport biographical page and front and back of I-94 card for
each dependent.
The International Student Advisor will contact you when the new I-20 has been issued. You will
need to come to the Global Education Office-Immigration Services to sign and date the I-20.
After we have obtained your signature the application will be mailed to USCIS. You will be
contacted as soon as the Change of Status Approval Notice is received.
Updated 2010
Global Education Office - Immigration Services
817 W. Franklin Street, P.O. Box 843043, Richmond, VA 23284 Tel: (804) 828-0595 Fax: (804) 828-2552