One of the most important of these obligations is to carry a full course of study every semester. If you are still engaging in the activity or purpose for which you were admitted to the U.S. and your authorized stay has not expired, you do not have to change status to F-1 student. Yhe Office of International Programs and Services will assist you with the process. A visa stamp is affixed in your passport and allows you to apply for entry or reentry to the U.S. for the purpose of pursuing a full program of study. Until you obtain the F-1 visa, you may only travel to and reenter the U.S. from countries which neighbor the U.S., like Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands.
Every case is different.
In some countries, visa issuance is extremely difficult. If you are not sure which is the best for you, make an appointment at the office of the International Programs and Services for more information. You are not eligible to apply for a change of status too F-1 student unless you can prove that you had special emergency circumstance, which were beyond your control. Make an appointment with the International Student Advisor for further information. In some unusual cases, you may be advised by our office to use a lawyer.