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S4 Blog: Change of Status While Enrolling: I-539, Premium Processing and Start-Date Deferrals
Typical steps: your school issues a change-of-status I-20, you pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, then file Form I-539 with USCIS with supporting evidence. USCIS decides; nobody can promise a decision date. If approval has not arrived by your start date, your school may be able to move you to a later intake with an updated I-20. Keep your current status exactly as it is while the case is pending.
COS vs. visa abroad
Documents and fees
Evidence commonly includes the I-20, financial proof, I-94 and proof of current status. Fees change, so check the current fee for Form I-539 and the I-901 SEVIS fee on official sites before filing.
Premium processing
USCIS offers optional premium processing (Form I-907) for I-539 applications requesting a change to F, M or J status, for an extra fee. According to a law-firm summary of USCIS's January 2026 fee rule, the fee rose to $2,075 on March 1, 2026, and USCIS aims to act (approve, deny or request evidence) within 30 business days once prerequisites such as biometrics are met.
Processing times
Regular processing can take many months, and USCIS publishes current times on its website. Do not build your plan on someone's estimate, including ours. Plan a start date your school can move.
When your start date arrives first
Tell your school now. Schools commonly issue an updated I-20 with the next start date. Keep the updated I-20 with your records. Whether USCIS needs a copy depends on your case, so confirm with your consultant.
Work and study while pending
Some schools refund the deposit if a COS or visa is denied; others do not. Ask in writing.
Next steps
Keep a timeline: I-20 date, SEVIS fee, filing date, receipt number, premium decision, start date, status expiry date.
Disclaimer: General information, not legal advice. COS cases can be sensitive; speak to your DSO and a qualified immigration professional about your history.
COS vs. visa abroad
| Change of status (in the U.S.) | F-1 visa (from abroad) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides | USCIS | U.S. consulate |
| Main form | Form I-539 | DS-160 and interview |
| Risk of leaving the U.S. while pending | Travel can affect the application; confirm with your consultant before booking | Not applicable |
Documents and fees
Evidence commonly includes the I-20, financial proof, I-94 and proof of current status. Fees change, so check the current fee for Form I-539 and the I-901 SEVIS fee on official sites before filing.
Premium processing
USCIS offers optional premium processing (Form I-907) for I-539 applications requesting a change to F, M or J status, for an extra fee. According to a law-firm summary of USCIS's January 2026 fee rule, the fee rose to $2,075 on March 1, 2026, and USCIS aims to act (approve, deny or request evidence) within 30 business days once prerequisites such as biometrics are met.
- Benefit: a faster action on the case.
- Limits: it is not a promise of approval. USCIS may still issue a request for evidence or deny the case. It can usually be added to a case that is already pending.
- Decision factors: your start date, your status expiry date and budget. A senior consultant can talk through the trade-off.
Processing times
Regular processing can take many months, and USCIS publishes current times on its website. Do not build your plan on someone's estimate, including ours. Plan a start date your school can move.
When your start date arrives first
Tell your school now. Schools commonly issue an updated I-20 with the next start date. Keep the updated I-20 with your records. Whether USCIS needs a copy depends on your case, so confirm with your consultant.
Work and study while pending
- CPT requires an approved F-1 status and DSO authorization first. You cannot start CPT while the COS is pending.
- If your current status already allows work for a specific employer (for example, H-1B with that same employer), that permission lasts only while you remain in that status. Check before relying on it.
- Classes: visitors (B-1/B-2) cannot begin classes until the change is approved. Other statuses depend on your DSO's advice.
Some schools refund the deposit if a COS or visa is denied; others do not. Ask in writing.
Next steps
Keep a timeline: I-20 date, SEVIS fee, filing date, receipt number, premium decision, start date, status expiry date.
Disclaimer: General information, not legal advice. COS cases can be sensitive; speak to your DSO and a qualified immigration professional about your history.