International Student Services
Change to F-1 Status
Applicants in the United States on a valid visa (e.g.: F-2, J-1, H-4, or other visa) may be eligible to apply for a change of status to F-1 international student while remaining in the United States. One of the documents you need to apply for a change of status is an "I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status" from Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC), an SEVP certified school.
Contact LAPC International for more information. Phone: (818) 719-6417, email: LAPC-intlstu@laccd.edu , Live Chat.
Steps to Apply
These are the steps to apply for a change of status to F-1 international student.
Apply to LAPC by the deadline dates. View the LAPC International Application Checklist.
Admitted students will receive an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status (aka: "I-20") from LAPC. You need this document to apply for a change of status to F-1 international student.
All application documents must be submitted in order to be considered for admission to the college. Allow up to 10 days processing time.
After obtaining an I-20, pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. Keep the receipt. For more information on the I-901 SEVIS Fee and how to pay it, view Study in the States: Paying the I-901 Fee.
After receiving an I-20 from LAPC and paying the I-901 Fee, the student can file Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Non-Immigrant Status through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your I-539 application must be received by USCIS prior to your current status ending.
Students requiring assistance with change of status filing through USCIS should contact an immigration attorney.
For more information about filing a change of status to F-1, view Study in the States: Change of Status.
Certain visa types allow students to attend the college while waiting for the F-1 change of status to be adjudicated. Other visa types do not allow enrollment at the college until the applicant is granted F-1 student status.