1. Submit visa document request e-form to International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO), and obtain a Change of Status I-20.
  2. Pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.
  3. You must prepare the following documents:
    • Copy of Change of Status I-20
    • Original Form I-539 (completed and signed) – You must obtain the most recent version of the form directly from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) site. Consult with an immigration attorney to review this form. ISSO is unable to assist with this. 
    • I-539 Application fee, check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
    • Original proof of financial support
    • Copy of Most Recent I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
    • Copy of the biographical page of your passport including expiration date (do not send passport)
    • Copy of your most recent visa stamp
    • Copy of your UMass Lowell Admission Letter
    • I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt
    • Letter explaining the reason for the change of status – this letter should be reviewed by your immigration attorney
  4. Mail the original Form I-20 (signed by you), along with the required documents, including Form I-539 and I-539 fees, to the correct address. Please consult with your immigration attorney if you are unclear which documents to submit.

Please review our list of Status-Specific Documents you may also need to submit with your application – this is a suggested list, ONLY. You MUST consult with your immigration attorney in preparing a successful petition specific to you.