Applicants for Change of Status (COS) to F-1 Student No Longer Need to Submit Subsequent Applications to “Bridge the Gap”

On July 20, 2021, USCIS announced that it would no longer require F-1 change of status (COS) applicants to submit subsequent applications for extension or change of nonimmigrant status while the COS application to F-1 is pending with USCIS, provided that the nonimmigrants status is unexpired at the time of filing the initial COS application and the applicant is otherwise eligible for COS. To prevent a gap in status, USCIS will grant the COS to F-1effective the day of the COS approval. If an application is approved more than 30 days before the student’s program start date, the student must ensure that they do not violate their nonimmigrant status during that time.

USCIS is in the process of revising Form I-539 to reflect these changes. However, this guidance is effective immediately.