In order to request a change to F-1 student status please follow the steps outlined below:

1. Complete Form I-539 (GET IT FROM OUR OFFICE).

2. Obtain an I-20 form by providing the Office of International Student Services with a recent Financial Certification Form and bank statement.

3. If your current visa status is B-1/B-2 visa status, you may wish to provide a letter explaining why you entered the U.S. on B-1/B-2 visa but now wish to change to F-1 student status. Please note, in order to be eligible to change to F-1, the Immigration and Naturalization Service must be convinced that the student, before arriving to the United States, did not intend to enter to the U.S. in order to enroll in a educational institution. If it appears the student entered in a B-1/B-2 visa in order to avoid having to apply for an F-1 visa overseas, the Immigration and Naturalization Service will likely reject the application for change to F-1 visa status.

4. Bring the following documents to the Office of Internatinal Student Services in order for them to be reviewed:
   1. I-539 (please complete all questions)
   2. Queens College I-20 form (please sign page 1)
   3. * Proof of passport validity and copy of the U.S. visa in your passport
   4. I-94 (original)
   5. Financial Certification Form, Affidavit of Support (if sponsor is in the U.S.) and bank statement
   6. $100 check or money order made payable to the Immigration and Naturalization Service

   The application and supporting materials should be mailed by registered mail, receipt requested to:

   IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION SERVICE Eastern Service Center 75 Lower Welden Street St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

5. Please make photocopies of your application and keep the mail receipt for your records. Your application may take 4 to 8 months to be processed.

   * DO NOT SEND YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT TO IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE