See below for 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.

  • Copies of applicant’s previous I-20s
  • Evidence of relationship to principal F-1 visa holder (birth certificate, marriage certificate) in English
  • Passport of principal F-1 visa holder’s passport, visa stamp, and most recent I-94 via the I-94 website

  • Principal F-1 visa holder’s I-20, passport, visa stamp, most recent I-94 via the I-94 website, and transcript
  • Evidence of relationship to principal F-1 visa holder (example: birth or marriage certificate) in English
  • Enrollment verification letter from F-1’s academic institution confirming his/her full-time status

  • Copy of principal F-1 visa holder’s Form I-20, visa stamp, passport, most recent I-94 via the I-94 website and transcript
  • Evidence of relationship to principal F-1 visa holder (example: birth or marriage certificate) in English
  • Letter from H-1B employer confirming that you will be employed until the date the change of status app is being submitted
  • Copy of last three pay statements to verify employment status

  • Letter from H-1’s employer confirming employment
  • Copy of last three pay statements to verify employment status.

  • Copy of principal H-1B holder’s Approval Notice (I-797) along with copies of their, passport, visa stamp and most recent I-94 via the I-94 website
  • Evidence of relationship to principal H-1B visa holder (example: birth or marriage certificate) in English
  • Employment verification letter from H-1B-1’s employer confirming ongoing employment status

  • Copy of principal E-1 or E-2’s Approval Notice (I-797), most recent I-94 via the I-94 website, passport, and visa stamp
  • Letter from principal E-1 or E-2’s employer confirming that you will be employed until the date the change of status app is being submitted
  • Copy of last three pay statements to verify employment status
  • Evidence of relationship to Principal E-1 or E-2 visa holder (example: birth or marriage certificate)


  • Copy of principal L-1’s passport, visa stamp, and most recent I-94 via the I-94 website
  • Evidence of relationship to principal L-1 visa holder (example: birth or marriage certificate) in English
  • Employment verification letter from L-1’s employer confirming ongoing employment status

  • Copy of principal J-1’s passport, visa stamp, most recent I-94 via the I-94 website
  • Evidence of relationship to principal J-1 visa holder (example: birth or marriage certificate) in English
  • Enrollment verification letter from J-1’s academic institution
  • I-901 (J-1 SEVIS fee) Receipt

NOTE: all J visa holders should consult their situation with an immigration attorney before submitting their petition, especially if they are subject to the two-year home residence requirement (212e). Change to F-1 status does not waive the requirement. Until they have fulfilled the two-year home residence requirement, you will not be able to change status to H. L. and K visa

  • Copy of principal O-1’s passport, visa stamp, most recent I-94 via the I-94 website and I-797 Approval Notice
  • Evidence of relationship to principal O-1 visa holder (example: birth or marriage certificate) in English
  • Employment verification letter from O-1’s employer confirming ongoing employment status

  • Copies of all TPS Employment Authorization Cards (EACs) and a letter explaining the reason for a change of status

All TPS holders should consult with an immigration attorney before submitting their petition.