F-1 Visa Change of Status

Applying for Change of Status to F-1 Visa

The current timeline for receiving a decision from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) for Change of Status decisions is 5 to 12 months. Depending on your circumstances, it may be advisable for you to return to your home country, apply for an F1 visa, and then return to the US on an F1 visa to study.

FRCC staff strongly encourages students who are inquiring about applying for a change of status to speak with an immigration attorney to discuss the change of status process. The I-20 document issued by the college is one of several documents required when you file with USCIS to request a change of status. The designated school official at the college who issues the I-20 document does not assist with paperwork required to file for a change of status—however, they can answer general questions regarding the process. 

Below are some federal government resources for you regarding the change of status process. Please review these resources and write down any questions you have before emailing additional questions or requesting an appointment to discuss your specific situation.

• Applying for a Change of Status
• Studying on an F1 visa

We strongly encourage you to seek the assistance of an immigration attorney when filing for a change of status.  The college does not give reference to a specific lawyer, but refers students to the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Your current visa status will determine whether you can begin taking classes or whether you need to wait for approval of your change of status to begin your studies.

Application Deadlines (If You Are in the US)

• Summer semester: May 1
• Fall semester: August 1
• Spring semester: December 15

Apply as an International Student

1. Apply for admission online. Additional documentation is required for international students to receive an I-20 which is needed to request an F-1 visa.
2. Review requirements and submit required admissions documents. 
3. Once you pay the international admissions fee and submit all admissions documents, please allow five business days for a response.
4. Once we have reviewed your documents we will email you. If you have not heard from us within five business days, please email us at international@frontrange.edu.

Next Steps

• Log in to the eWOLF student portal
  Click the Navigate icon and complete your To-Do items. Use your student ID number that was emailed to you when you were accepted to FRCC.
• Meet with your advisor
  Contact the Advising Office at your campus to schedule an appointment in-person, phone, and email appointments.
• Attend new student orientation
  Log in to eWOLF and click the Navigate icon to sign up for orientation.

You will have holds on your registration until you complete the international new student orientation and meet with your academic advisor.  These holds will be lifted as you complete these steps.

Once you have registered for classes, you will be assigned a CCCS student email account. Access your CCCS student email by logging into eWOLF and clicking on the student email icon. REMEMBER: Once you are a registered student, the CCCS student email is the official means of communication for FRCC. You are responsible for checking your student email account frequently and responding to any emails you receive.

After Orientation

You'll be ready to:

• Register for classes
• Pay for your classes
• Get your student ID
• Buy or rent your books

Questions?

Email us, including your name and S number.