Other Non-Immigrant Students

Students interested in requesting a letter of enrollment, estimate of costs, or another type of letter or certification, can visit ISSD to discuss the request and complete an Letter Request Form.

Transfer students, fully admitted, or students already attending SFBC must make an appointment with the ISSD DSO to review the application process and verify that all documentation is complete. Students can contact ISSD at 954-637-2294 or email issd@sfbc.edu.

COS is a procedure through which persons in an eligible non-immigrant visa classification may apply to change to an F-1 visa classification in order to pursue a full course of study in the U.S. and be eligible for F-1 benefits. (NOTE: Persons admitted in C, D, K, and M visa classifications and the Visa Waiver programs (B tourist visa) are NOT eligible to request a change of status to F-1 in the U.S.) Students interested in pursuing a change of status need to set-up an appointment to speak with an advisor so the appropriate paperwork and documentation can be collected.

* If you are currently in the U.S. as a B-1/ B-2 (tourist) or F-2 (dependent) you may NOT enroll in classes until your COS to F-1 is approved.

Prospective students interested in changing their current non-immigrant visa status to F have two options:

Option 1 - Remain in the U.S. and file a change of status applicaiton with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Option 2 - Apply for the F visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad (preferably in the home country) and reenter the U.S.

• Only individuals holding another valid eligible non-immigrant status may apply for change of status (COS). The COS application must be received at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before (and, preferably, should be approved) before the current non-immigrant status expires.

• The application is adjudicated by the USCIS – Vermont Service Center (VSC). The decision process may take as long as one year, and approval is not guaranteed.

• An approved COS application grants only valid F-1 status and not the F-1 visa (stamp in your passport). If traveling abroad after obtaining the COS to F-1, students will have to obtain the F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad (preferably in the home country) in order to re-enter the U.S. The COS approval does not guarantee issuance of the F-1 visa.

• Leaving the U.S. while the COS application is pending will automatically void the application and will require applying for the visa at the U.S. consulate prior to returning to the U.S.

• COS applicants – except B-1/B-2 tourists and F-2 dependents* -- must enroll full-time in the degree program as indicated on the I-20 form. Full-time enrollment for F-1 status is defined as:

  1. At least 12 credit hours per academic term for undergraduate students (Associates and Bachelors programs)

  2. At least 9 graduate-level credit hours for graduate students (Masters and Doctoral programs)
     * If you are currently in the U.S. as a B-1/ B-2 (tourist) or F-2 (dependent) you may  NOT enroll in classes until your COS to F-1 is approved.

• Students who are fully admitted or already attending FAU must make an appointment with the ISSD DSO to review the application process and verify that all documents are in order before mailing the COS application.

Students who are working with an  immigration attorney to handle their COS application must provide a copy of the USCIS receipt notice and final approval notice  to ISSD.

• The F visa stamp can only be obtained at a U.S. Consulate abroad. It is highly recommended to apply for the F visa in the home country. Some consulates do not accept visa applications from third country nationals. Applying at a consulate outside the country of citizenship/permanent residence increases the chance of visa denial, as it is more difficult to prove ties to the home country and non-immigrant intent.
  
  Contact the consulate where you wish to apply to determine visa application procedures, wait times, and required forms/fees. A list of U.S. Consulates and Embassies abroad can be located here:  U.S. Embassies Abroad.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS for Students Applying for Change of Status:

• Employment: On-campus employment eligibility per F-1 regulations (including graduate assistantships) will commence only after COS to F-1 is approved by the USCIS.

• Restrictions: Certain non-immigrant categories – such as visa waiver visitors (WB or WT with green I-94 card), C or D visa holders or J exchange visitors who are subject to 212 (e) – are not eligible to apply for COS to F-1 in the U.S. and must travel to their home country to obtain the F-1 visa.

• H-1 Visa Holders: Include a copy of the visa stamp or I-797 Notice of Action and proof of current employment (such as a payroll slips or letter from the employer).
  
  * Please note that the COS application must be filed with USCIS before termination of H-1B employment.