When applying for a Change of Status (COS) in the U.S., you must also make sure you are requesting an Extension of Stay (EOS) within the same application.
This is one of the most overlooked details in the process.
Why these matters
A Change of Status does not automatically extend your authorized stay.
USCIS looks at two things separately:
- What status you’re requesting
- Whether you are authorized to remain in the U.S. while the request is pending
If your I-94 expires before a decision is made and you did not request an extension, you can fall out of status even if the COS itself is still under review.
Case Scenario (Real-World Example)
A student entered the U.S. in B-2 visitor status and later decided to change to F-1 student status.
- The student filed Form I-539 requesting a Change of Status to F-1
- However, they did not request an Extension of Stay
- Their B-2 I-94 expired while the application was pending
- USCIS later denied the COS due to unlawful presence during the adjudication period
The student assumed:
Since I applied on time, I’m covered.
Unfortunately, that assumption was wrong.
The takeaway
A Change of Status request does NOT equal permission to remain in the U.S.
You must ensure your application explicitly covers both:
- the status change, and
- the period of authorized stay
This is why details matter and why so many students get denied even when they “did everything right.”
Global Resource Firm, LLC 