Immigration Status Changes
Change of Status to F-1 Student
For people inside the U.S. who want to study legally.
We prepare your forms, organize your documents, and draft the letters for your case.
Calculate the estimated cost of your process
USCIS responds within 30 business days. Speeds up the response, does not guarantee approval.
From 3 pages: $10 USD/page
This calculation is an initial estimate. Fees start at $270 USD and may vary depending on documentation and the administrative needs of the process. Government fees may change. There may be additional costs not included in this calculator.
Visa Express Fees
From $270 USD
*Approximate costs. Consult with our team for specifics about your case.
Packages and Options
REVIEW
USD 270Final validation of a prepared case.
ESSENTIAL
USD 490Clear file preparation.
COMPLETE
USD 690Reinforced file + double review.
INTEGRAL
USD 850Expanded administrative support.
SEVIS
USD 350
Separate fee
I-539
USD 420
Separate USCIS fee
PREPARATION
4–7 business days
With a complete file
PREMIUM PROCESSING
USD 2,075
Optional · USCIS responds in 30 business days
What is a change of status to F-1 student?
A change of status to F-1 allows certain people inside the United States to move from their current status to student status without leaving the country. The application is filed with USCIS using Form I-539, together with the Form I-20 issued by the educational institution. Approval does not place a new visa in the passport; it changes the person's immigration classification while they remain inside the United States.
Who Might This Be Right For?
- Are currently inside the United States with a valid status.
- Were admitted to a SEVP-certified institution and have Form I-20.
- Maintain their authorized stay.
- Have demonstrable financial capacity to cover studies and living expenses.
- Plan to pursue full-time studies.
- Have not worked without authorization or violated their current status.
Each situation must be reviewed individually. Acceptance of the service is subject to the information and documents provided by the client.
What's Included in the Service?
Letters and statements are prepared exclusively with the real information provided by the client. You must review, confirm, and approve them before signing.
What's Not Included?
Documents That May Be Used
The final list will depend on the educational institution and the information provided. These documents should not be uploaded through the public contact form.
Process Steps
Initial assessment
Review of status and academic goal.
I-20 and funds
Academic, financial, and sponsor evidence.
I-539 preparation
Form, letters, and supporting file.
Filing and follow-up
Final review and next-steps guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A USCIS approval changes your status inside the United States, but it does not place a new visa in the passport.
Employment is limited. Generally, on-campus work is allowed under certain conditions; off-campus work requires specific authorization.
With a complete file, preparation takes 4 to 7 business days.
Visa Express fees start at $270 USD. The SEVIS fee (USD 350) and the USCIS fee (USD 420) are paid separately.
Yes. USCIS offers Premium Processing for change of status to F-1 for USD 2,075 (a government fee, paid separately), with a guaranteed response within 30 business days. It speeds up USCIS's response time, not the approval itself.
No. The decision belongs exclusively to USCIS.
Important terms of service
- Fees start at $270 USD.
- The USCIS fee and the SEVIS fee are not included in our fees.
- Premium Processing (USD 2,075, a USCIS fee) is optional and paid separately; it guarantees a USCIS response within 30 business days, not approval of the case.
- The application generally must be filed before the authorized stay expires.
- The client must provide truthful, complete, and up-to-date information.
- USCIS timelines are estimates and may change.
- Filing an application does not guarantee its approval.
- The final decision belongs exclusively to USCIS.
Visa Express' general Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply.
Important Notice
Legal Notice: Visa Express LLC provides document preparation and administrative support services. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal representation. Supporting letters and statements are prepared exclusively with the information and documents provided by the client, who must review and approve them before use; they do not constitute legal advice. The applicant reviews and signs their own application. The final decision rests with the applicable government authority.
Ready to get started?
Request a free initial review and our team will explain the next steps.
Request an initial review of your case
Every immigration situation is different. Complete this short form and one of our advisors will contact you to learn about your case and explain the next steps.