International Student Services

[All information is subject to change without notice.]

If you hold a valid non-immigrant visa status and your intent is to become a full-time student, you may apply to change your visa status to an F-1 student status.  You can apply to change your status in the United States (see below), or you can take the appropriate documents to a U.S. Consulate and apply for an F-1 visa.  Once approved for F-1 status, you will become eligible for all F-1 status benefits.

Eligibility for Change of Status to F-1

• You must be admitted to a degree seeking program with The University of Texas at Dallas.
• You must be prepared to begin full time study at UTD beginning the semester following that in which you apply.
• You must hold a non-immigrant status other than C, D, K, M, WT /WB visitor or 212(e) subject J-1.

Application Process for Change of Status Within the United States

1. Apply and be admitted to a UTD degree seeking program. 
2. Attend a Change of Status workshop, available each Thursday through the ISS Office, click here to see specific dates.  Click here to see the slides from the presentation.
3. Submit the following documents to your International Student Advisor:
   • Financial Affidavit
   • Bank statement, current within six months, showing you can support yourself for one year of full time study; a certificate of deposit will not be accepted by the USCIS as proof of funds
   • I-539 form, obtained at the International Student Services Office.
   • B-1/B-2 visa holders: a letter explaining why you changed your intent from visitor to student
   • F-2 visa holders: proof of your spouse's status (I-94, F-1 visa, passport, marriage certificate, I-20, status verification letter, transcripts), and proof of funds for both you and your spouse.
   • H-4 visa holders: proof of your spouse's status (I-94, H-1 visa, passport, marriage certificate, last two pay stubs, employment letter on company letterhead).
   • H-1 visa holders: last two pay stubs
4. After five to seven days, return to the ISS Office to sign a UTD I-20 containing your Change of status recommendation.
5. Compile and mail your application to USCIS.  You should receive a receipt from USCIS within four to six weeks and a decision within three to four months.  The application sent to USCIS must also include:
   • A $300.00 check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
   • Proof of payment of the $100 SEVIS fee (Form I-797 "Notice of Action" or printed receipt from web site)
   • Photocopy of your I-94 (front and back)
   • Photocopy of your visa
   • Photocopy of your passport identification page showing the photograph and expiration date

Application Process for Change of Status Overseas

1. Apply and be admitted to a UTD degree seeking program. 
2. Submit the following documents to your International Student Advisor:
   
   • Financial Affidavit
   • Bank statement, current within 6 months, showing you can support yourself for one year of full time study; a certificate of deposit will not be accepted by the USCIS as proof of funds.
     
3. After five to seven days, return to the ISS Office to sign a UTD I-20 containing your Initial Attendance as an F-1 recommendation.
4. Make an appointment with the appropriate U.S. Consulate for your visa interview.  You will also need to take proof of payment of the $100 SEVIS fee (Form I-797 “Notice of Action” or printed receipt from web site)

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I enroll in courses if I have an F-2 or a B-1/B-2 status and am changing status to F-1?

An F-2 or a B-1/B-2 status holder must wait to enroll in courses at the University until their change of status to F-1 has been approved by USCIS.

When can I enroll in courses if I have an H-4, H-1b, or other status that allows lawful enrollment at the University?

You must begin to enroll full time as soon as you’ve applied for your change of status to F-1.

Do I have to change my status to F-1 if I have an H-4, H-1, or other status that allows lawful part-time or full-time enrollment?

No, you are not required to change your status to F-1.  However, F-1 gives you employment benefits which allow you to work on-campus, accept a TA or RA offer, or do a co-op.  As an H-1 or H-4, you are not eligible for these F-1 employment benefits.

Will I keep my in-state tuition waiver if I file for the change of status to F-1?

Once you apply for change of status to F-1, the Office of the Registrar will review your residency status based on F-1 status eligibility.  Please consult the Office of the Registrar for details.