This process is for students who are already in the United States on a different visa and wish to change their status to an F-1 student visa without leaving the country.

Step 1: Submit Application
Please download the file and complete the Application Form. You do not need to print it, you can type directly into the document.
Once you have completed the form, please send it to the following email address.

Lina Gao
Admissions Representative
linag@ccdc.edu
301-202-2098

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

  • A copy of valid passport
  • A copy of visa
  • A high school or university diploma/transcript
  • A bank statement dated within the past six months showing the following minimum balance:
    $28,000 for applicants to the ESL program
    $31,000 for applicants to the Associate Degree program
    If you have dependents (spouse or children), an additional $5,000 per dependent must be shown in the bank statement.
    If the bank account is not in the applicant’s name, a signed Affidavit of Support from the account holder must also be submitted.

Step 3: Application Fee
Pay a non-refundable $100 application fee.

Step 4: Pay Tuition for Cultural Exchange Program
Students must pay the tuition for part-time Cultural Exchange Program courses at the time of enrollment.

Step 5: CaMLA English Test
Students are required to take the CaMLA English placement test after paying the application fee.

Step 6: I-20 and Acceptance Letter Issuance
After all required documents have been reviewed and approved, Columbia College will issue the Change of Status I-20 and Acceptance Letter. Students are strongly encouraged to visit the campus in person to pick up their documents.

Step 7: Apply for change of Status at USCIS
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online at fmjfee.com, complete Form I-539 and submit a change of status application to USCIS.

Step 8: Submit I-797C to Columbia College
Approximately 2–3 weeks after submitting your change of status application, USCIS will send you a Receipt Notice (Form I-797C) confirming that your application has been received. Students are required to submit a copy of the I-797C to Columbia College.

Step 9: Visa Approval
After your F-1 change of status is approved, you will receive an Approval Notice (Form I-797A) from USCIS. Students are required to submit a copy of the I-797A to Columbia College.

Step 10: Tuition
Students are required to pay tuition for 10 weeks along with the $200 International Student Service Fee.

Step 11: Active I-20 Issuance
Once tuition payment is received, Columbia College will issue an Active I-20 to the student.

Step 12: Orientation
All new students are required to attend both the program orientation and the F-1 international student orientation.
USCIS Case Status USCIS Forms