Students who wish to change visa status must either travel outside the U.S. and apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate or change their visa status while remaining in the U.S. via a “Change of Status” application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Newly admitted students who are on other visa types in the U.S. may have to submit a “Change of Status” application with USCIS in order to enroll at MIT. We recommend that newly admitted students who need to file a change of status before enrolling at MIT make an appointment to meet with their ISO Advisor, who may be contacted by phone (617-253-3795) or via email.
Students filing an applicaiton while remaining in the U.S. must file an application with USCIS using Form I-539 (with fee) and supporting documentation. Normal processing time can take on average 5-12 months with USCIS (though now I-539 Change of Status applications could be filed with Premium Processing (with an additional significant fee) to request processing in approximately 40 days).
It will be VERY important to work closely with your ISO Advisor before filing any Change of Status application.
