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.

Requirements for Change of Status to F-1 - Eligibility and Documents

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

To qualify for a change of status to F-1, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements established by U.S. immigration regulations.

Basic Requirements for Change of Status

To request a change of status to F-1, an applicant must:

- Be physically present in the United States in lawful nonimmigrant status
- Have not violated the conditions of their current status
- File the application before the current status expires
- Be accepted into an SEVP-certified school
- Receive Form I-20 issued by the educational institution

USCIS reviews each case individually before approving or denying the request.

FAQs

No. A change of status allows eligible applicants to change their immigration status inside the United States without applying for a new visa at a U.S. consulate.
No. USCIS requires that the change of status application be submitted before the expiration date of your current nonimmigrant status.
No. Beginning full-time study before F-1 status is approved may be considered a violation of immigration status.

Admission to an SEVP-Certified School

One of the most important requirements is acceptance into a school authorized to enroll international students.

These schools must be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

After admission, the school issues Form I-20, which confirms eligibility for F-1 student status.

Required Documents

When applying for a change of status to F-1, applicants typically need to submit several documents, including:

- Form I-539 – Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status
- Copy of Form I-20 issued by the school
- Proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment
- Copies of passport and current visa
- Financial support documentation
- Additional documents if requested by USCIS

Maintaining Current Status

Applicants must maintain their lawful nonimmigrant status while the change of status request is being reviewed.

If a person violates the terms of their current status, USCIS may deny the application.

Financial Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of their studies in the United States.

Financial proof typically includes documentation showing the ability to pay for:

- tuition and school fees
- living expenses
- other educational costs during the period of study

Examples of acceptable financial evidence include:

- bank statements
- sponsor letters from parents or relatives
- scholarship or funding documentation

Important Rules and Restrictions

Several important rules apply when applying for a change of status to F-1.

- Students cannot begin full-time study until the F-1 status is officially approved.
- The final decision regarding change of status is made by USCIS.
- USCIS may request additional documents during the review process.