Are you interested in changing your non-immigrant Visa status to an F-1 status? To understand how individuals currently in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visitor visa, J-1, or other non-immigrant visa can change their status to F-1 student status while in the U.S., please visit our Course Information and Program Start Dates pages to access the necessary forms to begin the process.
Changing from a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa to F-1 Student Visa Status
Obtain F-1 Student Visa Status
Two Ways of Gaining a New F-1 Status
- Complete the Online application form
- Upon completion of the online application form, a link for payment will be emailed in 2-3 business days. The full payment of $2,325 ($2,100 tuition, $175 application fee, $25 registration fee, and $25 placement test fee) must be made to obtain an I-20 from us. *see tuition information here
- Original Financial Documents - Bank statement in English with a minimum balance of $22,500 in the account (can be emailed in PDF). (an additional $8,000 must be added to this amount for a spouse or $8,000 for a child for dependent status). ** If someone else is your financial sponsor (can be emailed in PDF)
- Sponsor’s Bank Statement or Bank Letter in English with a minimum balance of $22,500 Affidavit of Support Form
- Affidavit of Support Form
- Proof of income (Pay stub, W2, Job letter, Income Tax Return, etc..)
- Letter from your lawyer claiming responsibility for your change of status case (can be emailed in PDF)
- Copy of current visa (can be emailed in PDF)
- Copy of the I-94 arrival stamp (can be emailed in PDF)
- Any other immigration documents the individual may have received from the government regarding your status (if applicable) (can be emailed in PDF)
- Visit the CE News Center for IELI Program News, Events, Announcements, Workshops, & Networking Opportunities.
Note: you will receive a change of status requested I-20 in 1 week once all documents listed above are received. *** Please contact the IELI international student office at ieliss@hunter.cuny.edu if you have any questions.
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