J-2 to F-1 | internationalservices.byu.edu

J-1 Dependent to F-1 Student

To qualify to change from J-2 to F-1,
- you must
  - be in good legal standing
  - be a bona fide nonimmigrant
To apply, submit the following documents to International Services for review:
1. Completed Form I-539 (Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status)—Form I-539 may be downloaded here and filled in by using your keyboard before printing or obtained from International Services.
2. Copies of your passport pages including your visa, passport number and expiration date, and your picture.
3. Departure Record—Form I-94—This small white card is usually stapled to your passport next to your visa.
4. A photocopy of your spouse's current Form DS-2019
5. Initial Form I-20 issued through International Admissions located in the ASB —In order to be issued a Form I-20, you must be admitted to a BYU degree program. Sign in the space on item 11 at the bottom of page one.
6. Proof of financial support
7. Money Order or personal check for $300.00 made payable to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services—Cash is not accepted.
8. (Optional) Personal statement explaining why the Change of Status (COS) is necessary
9. After our document review and copies are made for your records, mail the documents listed above to:
  U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  California Service Center
  P.O. Box 10539
  Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1053
- General information for preparing application materials
- It will take from 60-120 days to hear back from the CSC.
- If approved, the CSC will return a new Form I-94 indicating your new status to the address indicated on your Form I-539 application. Make sure that if you move, you have your mail forwarded.
- It is advised that you do not travel outside of the U.S. with a change of status application pending.
Note: International Services only changes your immigration status on school records after you provide us with the documented proof of the change.