How to Change Status from an J-1 Visa to an F-1 Visa
A complete guide for J-1 visa holders who want to switch to an F-1 student visa and continue studying in the U.S.
Changing your status from a J-1 exchange visitor visa holder to an F-1 student visa holder is a significant step for people who wish to pursue full-time academic studies in the United States. Each year, thousands of J-1 visa holders consider making this transition to unlock new educational opportunities and extend their stay in the U.S. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, including eligibility, requirements, timelines, and costs, to help you navigate your journey with confidence.
J-1 vs. F-1 Visas
The J-1 and F-1 are both nonimmigrant U.S. student visas, but they serve different purposes and come with different rules.
J-1 Visas
The J-1 visa is for individuals participating in officially approved exchange visitor programs. These programs are designed to promote international educational and cultural exchange. Common categories include students, researchers, professors, teachers, trainees, camp counselors, and au pairs.
Key features of the J-1 visa:
- The J-1 program is intended to foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries through educational and cultural exchange.
- All J-1 programs must be sponsored by organizations (public or private) that are designated and approved by the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
- Some J-1 visa holders are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. This means that after completing their program, certain J-1 holders must return to their home country for a cumulative total of two years before becoming eligible for certain U.S. visas.
Important:
If your J-1 visa has the two-year home requirement, you must either return to your home country for two years, or apply for and receive a waiver before changing status.
F-1 Visas
The F-1 visa is the most common U.S. student visa. It allows international students to study full-time at accredited academic institutions, such as a university, college, seminary, or conservatory.
Key features of the F-1 visa:
- Designed for full-time academic study at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools
- Allows on-campus employment and training opportunities under certain conditions
- Offers opportunities to pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in many cases
Why Switch From a J-1 to an F-1 Visa?
Many J-1 visa holders opt to change to an F-1 status to:
- Enroll in full-time academic programs
- Extend their stay in the U.S. for educational purposes
- Access broader work opportunities (such as OPT/CPT)
- Avoid restrictions tied to the J-1 visa’s return-home requirement (if a waiver is granted)
- Maintain continuous legal status while studying
Who Is Eligible to Switch From a J-1 to an F-1?
To be eligible for a change of status from J-1 to F-1, you must:
- Be currently in valid J-1 status
- Have been accepted to a SEVP-certified U.S. academic institution
- Intend to enroll as a full-time student
- Not be subject to the two-year home residency requirement, or have obtained a waiver if you are
- Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support your studies
J-1 to F-1 Visa Requirements
To qualify for a change of status, you’ll need:
- Valid J-1 visa status
- A Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school
- Proof of financial support for your studies
- A valid passport
- A waiver of the two-year home residency requirement using DS-3035 (if applicable)
- Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
- Evidence of intent to return home after studies (nonimmigrant intent)
J-1 to F-1 Visa Timeline Considerations
Timing is important when planning your change of status:
- You must apply for F-1 status before your J-1 status expires.
- If your J-1 status expires before F-1 is approved, you must leave the U.S. and apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
Some applicants choose to depart the U.S. and apply for a new F-1 visa abroad to avoid long processing times.
J-1 to F-1 Processing Time
Processing times for Form I-539 can differ significantly based on factors such as your current nonimmigrant status, whether you’re applying for a status change or an extension, and which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) service center is handling your case.
To get the most accurate estimate for your circumstances, use the USCIS processing times tool.
Note:
USCIS does not currently offer premium processing for Form I-539.
Cost to Change Status From J-1 to F-1
Below is a breakdown of the general costs associated with switching from a J-1 visa to an F-1 visa:
- SEVIS I-901 Fee: $350
- USCIS Form I-539 Filing Fee: $420 for online filing; $470 for paper filing
- DS-3035 Two-Year Home Residency Waiver Fee (if applicable): $120
- Attorney Fees (if using a lawyer): $1,000+
Note:
As of October, 2024, USCIS has eliminated the separate biometrics fee for most Form I-539 applicants, including those changing from J-1 to F-1 status. Previously, this fee was $85, but it is no longer required for most cases.
How to Change Status From J-1 to F-1
- Apply to a SEVP-certified school: Receive an acceptance letter and Form I-20 from the school.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee: Use the SEVIS number from your I-20 to pay the fee.
- Apply for a waiver (if required): Submit DS-3035 to apply to waive the two-year home residency requirement.
- Submit Form I-539 to USCIS: Include your Form I-20, proof of financial means, copy of your passport, DS-2019, receipt for SEVIS I-901 fee payment, and two-year home residency requirement waiver approval (if applicable).
- Wait for approval: Monitor your case status through the USCIS website. If approved, your status will change to F-1 without the need to leave the U.S.
Alternatively, instead of applying for a change of status within the U.S., you may leave the country and apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy using your new Form I-20. Upon approval, you can re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status.
J-1 to F-1 Visa FAQs
You generally cannot begin your F-1 program until your change of status is approved. USCIS requires that you wait for approval before engaging in F-1-specific activities, including starting classes. Some schools may allow conditional or non-degree enrollment, but you are not considered in F-1 status until approval is granted.
You do not need to leave the U.S. to change status from J-1 to F-1; you can apply for a change of status with USCIS while remaining in the country. However, you may choose to leave and apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad, which can sometimes result in faster processing.
If your J-1 status expires before your F-1 is approved and you did not apply in time or maintain status, you must depart the U.S. to avoid unlawful presence. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s a good idea to speak with an immigration attorney to understand your options.
F-1 students can work on campus and may qualify for OPT or CPT for off-campus employment, subject to authorization and eligibility requirements.
You can stay in the U.S. on F-1 status for the duration of your academic program plus a 60-day grace period after completion, provided you maintain status.
Changing to F-1 does not bar you from future green card applications, but F-1 status requires nonimmigrant intent, so future applications for permanent residency must be handled carefully. If you have concerns about your future green card eligibility, it’s wise to speak with an immigration attorney.