Change Your Status to F-1 Student
Already in the United States on another nonimmigrant status? HOFT Institute can review your school application and, when requirements are met, issue the Form I-20 you need to apply for a Change of Status with USCIS.
What HOFT helps with
✓ School admission and document review
✓ Form I-20 issuance after approval and payment
✓ Flexible start dates and full-time ESL options
✓ Two-day and four-day schedule options
✓ Clear separation between school and USCIS steps
What is a Change of Status to F-1?
A Change of Status allows some eligible people already in the United States to request F-1 student status without first leaving the country for a visa interview.
Your request is submitted to USCIS rather than a U.S. embassy abroad.
We do this after your admission file, required documents, and school payments are complete.
HOFT does not approve immigration status and cannot guarantee the outcome.
Change of Status is not the best option for everyone. Sometimes, leaving the country and applying for an F-1 can be cheaper, faster and easier. If you are unsure, you can contact us for advice.
Please note: The US Government recommends that students apply for their change of status at least 45 days before their 1-94 expires.
The Process: From Application to USCIS Decision
The school and immigration portions of the process are separate. HOFT Institute manages admission and Form I-20 issuance; the applicant or attorney manages the USCIS filing.
01
Apply to HOFT
Complete the school application and pay the $150 application fee.
02
Submit Documents
Send your passport, financial evidence, statement of purpose and supporting records.
03
Receive Form I-20
After the admission file and required school payments are complete, HOFT prepares the Form I-20.
04
File with USCIS
Your attorney or representative prepares Form I-539 and the supporting immigration package.
05
Receive a Decision
USCIS reviews the case. Processing times and outcomes vary and are controlled by USCIS.
Documents and Payments HOFT Needs
Documents should be clear, current and in English, or accompanied by an appropriate English translation.
Standard Admission Items
Personal, contact and academic information.
Nonrefundable school application fee.
Include dependents when applicable.
At least 3–4 sentences explaining why you want to study English.
At least $8,000 for one semester or $16,000 for one year, plus $2,000 per dependent.
Required when another person will support your tuition and living expenses.
Additional Change-of-Status Items
Nonrefundable HOFT change-of-status administration fee.
Applied to the first 15-week session and refundable if the Change of Status is denied, subject to HOFT policy.
Include other documents showing your present status, such as an I-797 or dependent I-20 when relevant.
Passport and immigration records for dependents included in the request.
Why We Recommend an Immigration Attorney
HOFT provides school admission support and Form I-20. An immigration attorney can evaluate your eligibility and prepare the legal filing submitted to USCIS.
Ready to begin your HOFT application?
Send your admission documents early. Our team will review your file, explain the school requirements and prepare your Form I-20 when all requirements are complete.
Change of Status FAQs
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No. HOFT handles school admission and issues Form I-20 after requirements are met. The USCIS filing is completed by the applicant or immigration attorney.
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No. USCIS makes the final decision. HOFT cannot guarantee approval or predict the outcome of an individual case.
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Begin as early as possible. HOFT recommends submitting school materials well before your current authorized stay expires so there is time to review documents and prepare the I-20. Ask an attorney about the deadline that applies to your case.
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The answer depends on your current immigration classification and current USCIS rules. Do not begin a course of study until you have received case-specific legal guidance.
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The deposit is refundable if USCIS denies the Change of Status, subject to HOFT Institute’s written refund policy and any applicable terms.
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Processing times change and vary by case and service center. Use the USCIS processing-time tools or consult your attorney for current information. Premium processing availability and cost should also be verified at the time of filing.