Intensive English Program (IEP) is F-1 visa compliant and Lingua Prime is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

Intensive English Program (IEP) is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). To verify the ongoing accreditation of Lingua Prime please visit https://cea-accredit.org/accredited-sites.

F1 Change of Status Processing Time - How Long Does It Take?

Foreign nationals who are already in the United States under another nonimmigrant status (for example B1/B2) may apply to change their status to F-1 student status through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The time required to process a change of status application depends on several factors and is determined by USCIS.

Average Processing Times for
Change of Status

Applications to change status to F-1 are submitted using Form I-539 (Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status).

According to USCIS, processing times may vary significantly depending on:

- the service center handling the case
- the number of pending applications
- whether additional documentation is required

In many cases, processing can take several months. The most accurate and current processing estimates are published on the official USCIS Processing Times page.

FAQs

Processing times vary depending on the service center and case details. Applicants should check the USCIS Processing Times page for the most current estimates.
In most cases, Form I-539 does not offer premium processing, unless otherwise announced by USCIS.
Applicants can track their case online using the receipt number issued by USCIS after the application is filed.

How to Check Current Processing Times

USCIS regularly updates estimated processing times on its official website.

To check the current timeframe:

- Visit the USCIS Processing Times page
- Select Form I-539
- Choose the service center that is handling the application

The website will show the estimated time range for similar cases currently being processed.

What Happens During the Processing Period

After submitting Form I-539, USCIS may take several actions while reviewing the application, including:

- accepting the application for processing
- requesting additional evidence (Request for Evidence – RFE)
- scheduling a biometrics appointment (if required)
- issuing a final approval or denial decision

During the review period, applicants must continue to maintain the conditions of their current immigration status.

Can You Start Studying While Waiting for Approval?

According to USCIS regulations, applicants cannot begin full-time study until their F-1 status is officially approved.

Starting a full-time academic program before receiving approval may be considered a violation of immigration status.

Factors That May Affect Processing Time

Several factors may influence how long a change of status application takes:

- accuracy of the submitted Form I-539
- completeness of supporting documents
- background checks or additional verification
- overall USCIS workload

If USCIS requests additional documentation through an RFE, the overall processing time may increase.

When Should You Apply for Change of Status?

USCIS recommends submitting a change of status request before your current nonimmigrant status expires.

Filing on time helps maintain lawful status in the United States while the application is being processed.