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USCIS Process
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Official and legal procedure
COS = Legal Status Change
Change of Status is a USCIS process through which an eligible individual in the United States may request a change from their current nonimmigrant status to F-1 student status without departing the country. Approval is determined solely by USCIS and is not guaranteed.
* Individual outcomes depend on personal circumstances and U.S. immigration law.
What is Change of Status?
Stay in the U.S.
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No need to leave the country
Future Immigration Pathway
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A potential step toward long-term opportunities in the United States
Who May Be Eligible?
Already in the U.S. on a temporary visa? You may be able to switch to F‑1 student status and start studying without leaving the country.
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J-1 / J-2
Exchange visitors and dependents who may qualify depending on category, timing, and immigration history.
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B-1 / B-2
Visitors already in the U.S. who want to move into a legal educational pathway.
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H-4
Dependents of H-1B professionals exploring education as their next step.
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L-2
Dependents of intracompany transferees who may also pursue a student pathway.
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O-3
Dependents of O-1 professionals who may pursue education through a change to F-1 status.
Important: eligibility depends on your current status, timing, immigration history, and compliance with U.S. immigration rules. Certain J-1 categories may require additional review.