On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule eliminating Duration of Status for certain nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors. The rule takes effect on September 15, 2026. Please visit our Duration of Status Rule Change webpage for additional information and updates.
Change from J-1 Status
Change from J-1 Status to F-1 Status
An F-1 student is a nonimmigrant who is pursuing a full course of study to achieve a specific educational or professional objective at an academic institution in the US. Once the educational objectives have been achieved, the F-1 student is expected to return to his or her residence abroad.
After completing your program at ASU as a J-1 student, if you would like to pursue a different level of education at ASU as an F-1 student, you should do the following:
01
Meet with an immigration advisor from the ISSC to discuss your plan to change your status from J-1 to F-1 status.
Please note that if you are a J-1 student/scholar who is subject to a 2 year home residency requirement, you will only be able to obtain F-1 through consular processing. If you are not subject, then you may apply through USCIS. However, you will need to maintain your J-1 status if your J-1 status will expire until your new F-1 status is approved.
02
Request an I-20 from the ISSC through the Change of Status eForm sent to you after your meeting with an ISSC immigration advisor.
03
Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee after receiving your I-20.
04
Travel outside the U.S., then use your initial I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Students using a Canadian passport do not need to obtain an F-1 visa.
Remember to sign your I-20.
05
Use your new F-1 visa and initial I-20 to return to the U.S. at any time on or after the Earliest Admission Date on your I-20 and prior to the Program State Date on your I-20.
06
After you re-enter the U.S. through a U.S. port of entry, obtain your new I-94 detailing your F-1 status. Your I-94 will indicate a fixed end date. This is based on your I-20 Program End Date, not to exceed 4 years.
07
Log in to My ASU and complete your SEVIS New Student Check-in.