09/19/2026
WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN TO BE AN F-1 STUDENT?
F-1 status exists so international students can pursue a genuine, full-time course of study at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
For an English-language student, this means much more than receiving an I-20. It means making education the primary purpose of remaining in the United States.
IS CHANGE OF STATUS A LEGAL OPTION?
Yes. Change of status is an official process administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Some people who entered the United States in another valid nonimmigrant classification—such as B-1/B-2 visitor status or certain J-1 exchange visitor categories—may be eligible to request a change to F-1 student status without first leaving the United States.
However, eligibility is different for every person. Filing an application does not guarantee approval, and the school does not make the final decision. USCIS does.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
A person in B-1 or B-2 visitor status generally cannot begin a full course of study while waiting for USCIS to decide the application. If approval is not received before the school’s start date, the school may need to defer the student’s program to a future session.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR J-1 EXCHANGE VISITORS
A change from J-1 to F-1 may be possible in some circumstances. However, certain J-1 participants are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, which can restrict their ability to change status inside the United States.
J-1 applicants should review their DS-2019 and visa documentation and may need advice from a qualified immigration attorney.
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DOES AN F-1 STUDENT HAVE?
An F-1 English-language student must:
• Attend an SEVP-certified school
• Pursue a full-time program of study
• Maintain the school’s attendance requirements
• Make satisfactory academic progress
• Keep personal and immigration information current
• Follow all school and federal regulations
• Avoid unauthorized employment
English-language training is intended for education. It does not provide general work authorization, and students enrolled in an English-language program are not eligible for CPT or OPT practical training.
WHY CHOOSE AN INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM?
English proficiency can help students participate more confidently in American life, communicate within their communities, prepare for future academic study, and become more independent in everyday situations.
An intensive program provides structure, professional instruction, regular practice, measurable progress, and a community of classmates working toward similar goals.
THE SCHOOL’S ROLE
PELI can review an applicant for admission, explain our program requirements, issue a Form I-20 to an eligible and accepted applicant, and maintain the student’s SEVIS record after approval and enrollment.
PELI cannot guarantee that USCIS will approve a change-of-status application, determine whether someone may lawfully remain in the United States, or provide individualized legal advice.
Becoming an F-1 student is a real educational opportunity—and also a serious commitment.
Learn about PELI’s Intensive English Program and change-of-status admission process:
https://pelischool.org/f-1-visa-status-change
Philadelphia English Language Institute
7708 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19152
215-745-0243
[email protected]
