Eligibility for F-1 Status Change Inside the United States
Applying from within the United States: Eligibility
If you have lawfully maintained your current status, are in a visa status that allows for a change of status from within the United States, and have been admitted to or are currently attending Emory University, you are eligible to file a petition for a change of status via U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Typically, individuals in the United States in other statuses apply for a change of status to F-1 after receiving admission to the University. Some nonimmigrants who are in a status that allows for study (ex: H-4, J-2) begin their programs at Emory in that status and then change to F-1 at a later date.
You are not eligible to apply for a change of status from within the United States if you are currently a non-immigrant in C, D, K, or M status or if you entered the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for business or tourism. If you are in J-1 or J-2 status and are subject to 212(e), the Two Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement, you are not eligible to apply for a change of status unless you have received a waiver of this requirement from the U.S. Department of State.
If you recently entered the United States as a B-1 Visitor for Business or a B-2 Visitor for Tourism, approval for a change of status to F-1 student is unlikely unless you have requested a notation of "Prospective Student" on a B-2 I-94 card at the port of entry. For more information on this subject, please contact an International Student Advisor.
Students changing status from within the United States must specify that they would like the Office of Admissions to produce a "Change of Status" I-20 Form and then meet with an International Student Advisor at ISSS to file the application with USCIS.
Additional documentation required for the application will vary depending on current immigration status. Please see the categories on the left navigation bar for specific details.