International Student Services
International Division

Change of Status

Change to F-1 or J-1 Status

If you have gained admission to University of Wisconsin-Madison as a full-time student, you may request support from ISS for a Change of Status to F-1 or J-1.

If you are in the U.S. with another visa type, you may review your eligibility to study through Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

How to Change Your Status 

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Step 1: Notify us that you want to change status

Complete the Qualtrics form here. After 24-48 hours you will have access to UW–Madison’s immigration portal for F-1 and J-1 students (Terra Dotta) to request your change of status. 

After completing this form our office will give you access to Terra Dotta and email you the link to complete the Change of Status request in Terra Dotta. 

Step 2: Decide on F or J status

When deciding whether the F-1 or J-1 student status is best for you, we recommend you compare the two visa types to see which suits your needs.  

Step 3: Determine how you change status

You have two options: 

  • Option 1: Travel and re-enter the United States with the new visa.  
  • Must travel outside of the U.S. and re-enter with the new I-20/DS-2019 
  • Must apply for an F or J visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate 
  •  Cannot re-enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to new I-20/DS-2019 program start date 

 

  • Must maintain most recent immigration status while application is pending 
  • Applicant has no record of repeated violations  
  • F-1/J-1 intends to pursue a full-time course of study 
  • Applicant is not engaged in unauthorized employment 
  • Applicant is not deportable on any grounds 
  • Current status is not: M-1, C, D, K, S, J-1 Physician, J non-immigrant subject to 212(e), WT or WB Visa Waiver Program 

Step 4: Obtain your Immigration Document from ISS

Complete the Change of Status request in Terra Dotta by following the link that ISS emailed you. Make sure you follow all instructions in the Terra Dotta request form. You will be required to upload the following documents 

  • Financial Documentation to show ability to pay tuition and living expenses for one academic year 
  • Copy of passport 
  • Proof of U.S. and non-U.S. address 
  • Proof of current status. I-94 or I-797 Approval Notice 

After you submit the request in Terra Dotta, please allow 15 business days for our office to process your request.  

While we are processing, please keep an eye on your email for updates. Our staff will notify you of updates or ask you for additional information by email. 

Step 5: F-1/J-1 Must Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee

Pay through www.fmjfee.com and save your receipt as a pdf 

Step 6: Apply for Change of Status to F/J by Travel or by Application to USCIS

  1. Travel & Re-enter U.S. with new I-20/DS-2019- document issued by ISS; decision made by U.S. Department of State and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) 
    • Must travel outside of the U.S. and re-enter with the new I-20/DS-2019  
    • Must apply for an F/J visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate  
    • Cannot re-enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to new I-20/DS-2019 program start date  
    • Must enroll full-time upon first semester of re-entry, even if that is summer  
    • F-1/J-1 are required to complete International Student Orientation (ISO) and ISS check-in with ISS within 15 days of reentry. 
  2. Application to USCIS- document issued by ISS; decision made by United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) 
    • Complete form I-539 online at USCIS.gov 
    • Documents to upload with request (read the directions carefully for a complete list) 
    • Signed/dated I-20/DS-2019 issued by ISS to change status 
    • Passport ID page 
    • Current visa stamp or I-797A 
    • I-94 record 
    • Dependent documents, if applicable 
    • Transcripts from all schools attended in U.S. 
    • Financial support document(s) 
    • I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt (F-1/J-1 only) 

 

Additional documentation required if changing status to F-2/J-2: 

  • Copies of all F-1/J-1 documents 
  • Transcripts for all schools attended in the U.S. 
  • Proof of familial relationship (marriage license or birth certificate) 

Step 7: Stay in touch with ISS

Stay in touch with ISS to ensure immigration compliance. 

  • As the start date on your I-20/DS-2019 approaches, ISS needs to know the status of your application with USCIS. If the application is still pending within two weeks into the semester, we will need to defer the start date of your I-20/DS-2019.  
  • When you receive the approval or denial notice from USCIS let us know immediately. ISS will need to create a new immigration document and/or advise you on your options. 
  • If you changed status by travel, please let us know when you have successfully entered the U.S. 
  • Remember to complete ISO in Canvas & ISS Check-in in Terra Dotta within 15 days of change of status approval or reentry. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Changing Status

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How long will it take to process the change of status within the United States?

If you are changing status within the U.S. you can locate the processing times here. Make the following selections to obtain current processing times: 

  1. Form: I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status 
  1. Form Category: Change of Status to F or M student or J exchange visitor category 
  1. Field Office or Service Center: Potomac Service Center 

After you submit your application to USCIS, we recommend you check the status of your application through the Case Status form online. 

Can I start school at UW-Madison while my current status is still pending?

You must maintain your most recent visa status while your change of status to F or J is pending. To see if your non-immigrant visa allows you to study in the U.S., please see this guide from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We also advise you to consult with your immigration attorney.

Change of F-1/J-1 status to another status.  

If you changed status from F-1 or J-1 student immigration status to another U.S. immigration status, submit the application in Terra Dotta. In this application you must upload a copy of your USCIS I-797A approval notice for the new status or your visa and I-94 entry record for the new status into your Terra Dotta change of status record.      

ISS will end your F-1/J-1 SEVIS record and update your student center record. You will receive an email when your records have been updated. 

Note: To avoid being charged the $100 International Services Fee for a semester, two conditions must be met before the start date of instruction for the semester:  

  • your change of status documentation is properly reported to ISS 
  • your new status start date is on or before the start date of instruction.