Change of Immigration Status

Change of U.S. Immigration Status (COS)

CHANGE OF STATUS (COS) OVERVIEW

Individuals who plan to study in the U.S. can ONLY do so if they are in a valid U.S. immigration status that allows for full-time study. For most individuals, this means they MUST study under either F-1 or J-1 Non-Immigrant Student Status. Refer to the ISO website [here] for additional information.

WARNING REMINDER: Individuals in tourist status (i.e., B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, or ESTA/VWP) CANNOT study in the U.S., and they MUST change to an eligible U.S. immigration status.

Back to Top

FOR NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENTS

Individuals who are already in the U.S. under a non-F-1 or J-1 student immigration status may need to submit a Change of Status (COS) application BEFORE enrolling at MIT.

  • Newly admitted MIT students MUST refer to the ISO website [here] for additional information, and contact their ISO Advisor for any further questions.

ATTENTION: Individuals MUST consult with their ISO Advisor BEFORE submitting any Change of Status (COS) application to ensure accuracy and compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Back to Top

FOR CURRENT & ALUMNI STUDENTS

Individuals who are already in the U.S. and wish to change their U.S. immigration status have two (2) options:

  1. TRAVEL: Apply for a new visa sticker/stamp outside the U.S. at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate, then enter the U.S. in the new U.S. immigration status, using the new visa sticker/stamp; or
  2. COS Application: Apply for a COS while remaining in the U.S. by filing the appropriate application (Form I-539) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
    • NOTE: Individuals who file a COS application CANNOT travel outside the U.S. while this COS application is pending with USCIS.
      • Therefore, if an individual files a COS application and it is approved, if they exit the U.S., they are REQUIRED to apply for and obtain a new sticker/stamp from a U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home country to return to the U.S. in that new U.S. immigration status.

ATTENTION: Individuals MUST consult with their ISO Advisor BEFORE submitting any Change of Status (COS) application to ensure accuracy and compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Back to Top

Reporting Requirements

Current Students: MIT-sponsored F-1 and J-1 students who are active in their MIT program and have changed to a new U.S. immigration status MUST follow the steps outlined below to ensure their MIT and SEVIS immigration records are updated accurately:

  • For MIT-Sponsored F-1 & J-1 Students:
    • Step 1: Log into iMIT and navigate to the left sidebar of the “iMIT Services Home Page” and select “Immigration Documents”.
    • Step 2: Select “Update Visa Information” and complete the e-Form by entering all required information and uploading all necessary documentation.

COMPLIANCE ALERT: Once an individual changes to a new U.S. immigration status, their previous U.S. immigration status automatically ends.

Back to Top

Alumni Students: MIT-sponsored F-1 and J-1 students who are active in their work/employment practical training authorizations and have changed to a new U.S. immigration status MUST follow the steps outlined below to ensure their MIT and SEVIS immigration records are updated accurately:

  • For MIT-Sponsored F-1 Students: F-1 students on OPT MUST report any updates or changes to the ISO within 10 calendar days.
    • F-1 Students on STEM OPT: Refer to the ISO website [here] for instructions on reporting a COS.
  • For MIT-Sponsored J-1 Students: J-1 students on Post-Degree Academic Training (Post-AT) MUST report any updates or changes to the ISO within 10 calendar days.
    • Refer to the ISO website [here] for instructions on reporting a COS.

COMPLIANCE ALERT: Once an individual changes to a new U.S. immigration status, their previous U.S. immigration status automatically ends.

Back to Top

IMPORTANT COS REMINDERS

  • Understanding the Difference Between a Visa Sticker/Stamp & Immigration Status: It is essential to distinguish between a visa sticker/stamp in a passport and an individual’s U.S. immigration status.
    • A valid visa sticker/stamp is required ONLY for entry into the U.S.
    • Once an individual has entered the U.S., their “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document determines their U.S. immigration status and legal permission to remain in the U.S.
      • Example: A visa sticker/stamp is like a key to a house; it is needed to enter, but once inside, the key is not required again unless the person leaves and wishes to re-enter.
  • New U.S. Immigration Status Activation: A new U.S. immigration status will NOT be activated until an individual:
    • Enters the U.S. in their new U.S. immigration status, OR
  • COS Application Approval Reminder: If an individual files a COS application and it is approved, if they exit the U.S., they are REQUIRED to apply for and obtain a new sticker/stamp from a U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home country to return to the U.S. in that new U.S. immigration status.
  • Changing to U.S. Permanent Resident Status (Green Card): A COS to U.S. permanent Resident status can be a complex process and requires careful planning. Refer to the ISO website [here] for additional information.

Back to Top

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

ISO Resources

U.S. Government Resources

  • The U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Guidelines For Travel Re-Entry For F-1 Non-Immigrants webpage
  • The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Travel for International Visitors webpage
  • The U.S. Department of State (DOS) J-1 Exchange Visitor Entering the United States information
  • The U.S. Department of State (DOS) J-1 Exchange Visitor webpage

Back to Top

Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is only for MIT-sponsored students.

For additional questions, students should first review the ISO website thoroughly. They are encouraged to use the ISO search tool (located at the top of the ISO website) or consult the comprehensive FAQ section in the ISO Knowledge Base. MIT students may also contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.

Back to Top

MIT Division of Graduate and Undergraduate Education