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How to Apply?

Change of Status: If you are legally in the United States holding a visa and want to change your status to F1:

STEP 1 – REGISTRATION

 

Fill out the application form: https://www.astonusa.com/changeofstatus-form

 

You will need a digital copy of the photo page of your passport and a copy of your current visa to fill out the application form.

Provide a recent financial statement showing the ability to pay for your school and living expenses (we estimate $2,400 per month, or $14,400 for 6 months of study). If you have dependents (F2), you will need to add $400 for each month per dependent.

 

STEP 2 – REGISTRATION FEE PAYMENT

 

The application form will guide you through the process of paying the $250 application fee for the change of status request. If the payment option does not appear, it can be accessed via this link: https://www.astonusa.com/product-page/change-of-status-application-fee.

 

A $25 fee is applied for each dependent you have and must be paid through this link: https://www.astonusa.com/product-page/i-20-transfer-registration-fee.

 

 

STEP 3 – PAYMENT OF YOUR TUITION

 

Option 1:
 

Pay in full for your program

 

 

  • 1 Academic Term (22 weeks) $6,050 + Books 380

 

  • 1 Year (2 Academic Periods). (44 weeks) $12,100 + Books $760

 

 

Option 2:

Monthly payment plan without discounts.

 

  • Pay $1,480 (1 month + Books) Then $1,100 monthly

 

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*For monthly discount option you must complete your payment authorization at this link:* https://www.astonusa.com/tuitionagreement

 

 

STEP 4 - IMMIGRATION APPLICATION

 

This is the last step of your application after you have received your Acceptance Letter and I-20 from Aston International Academy. Remember that the school is not involved in this part of the process. You can seek a professional to submit your application.

The process of changing from tourist status (B-1/B-2) to student status (F-1) in the United States involves several steps and requires careful attention to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) instructions. Here is a step-by-step guide:

 

  1. Receive an Acceptance Letter from a Certified Institution (SEVP)
    • Use the acceptance letter and I-20 issued by Aston.

 

  1. Pay the SEVIS Fee
    • Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which is mandatory for all international students. This fee activates your status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). (Usually around $350)
    • Keep the receipt of the fee payment, as it will be needed for your status change application.

 

 

  1. Fill Out Form I-539

• You must complete Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) to apply for a change to F-1 status.
• This form can be submitted online or by mail.

 

  1. *Gather Supporting Documents*

• Form I-20 issued by the school.
• Proof of SEVIS Fee payment.
• Copy of your passport (pages with personal information and your tourist visa).
• Financial evidence (bank statements, sponsorship letters, or documents showing you have sufficient funds to cover your study and living expenses in the U.S.).
• Proof that you do not intend to abandon your temporary status, meaning you plan to return to your country after your studies.
• Optional cover letter explaining why you want to change your status and study in the U.S.

 

 

  1. *Submit the Application and Pay the I-539 Fee*
    • Send the form and documents to USCIS along with the fee payment (usually around $420, plus an additional $85 biometric fee if applicable).

 

  1. *Wait for the USCIS Decision*
    • The process can take several months (6 to 12 months). During this time, it is important to maintain your tourist status. In other words, avoid any behavior that suggests you are violating the terms of your tourist visa, such as starting to study before approval.

 

 

  1. *Do Not Start Studying Until Approved*
    • As a status change applicant, you cannot start studying until USCIS has approved your change from tourist to student status. Beginning studies before approval can result in denial of the application and possible deportation.

 

  1. *Maintain Active Immigration Status*
    • It is crucial not to exceed your authorized stay as a tourist while the process is pending. Once your student status is approved, you can begin your studies.

 

 

  1. *Receive Approval and Update SEVIS*
    • Once the application is approved, your status will change from B-1/B-2 to F-1, and the SEVIS system will be updated with your student information.

 

 

Important Considerations:

 

Processing time: The time for a status change can be lengthy, so it is ideal to apply in advance, before your tourist visa expires.

 

 International travel: While your application is pending, you cannot leave the U.S., as this will be considered a withdrawal of the application.

 

 If you wish to begin your studies soon, it may be quicker to leave the U.S. and apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad. This is the basic process, but there may be particularities depending on your case, so it is always advisable to consult an immigration lawyer for personalized guidance.

 

All documentation must be sent by mail to the USCIS Service Center in Dallas, Texas.

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