Many students don’t realize this, and it costs them their status

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:

  1. What status you’re requesting
  2. 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.”

Why International Students Matter

🌍 Why International Students Matter for Education and the U.S. Economy

U.S. higher education thrives not only because of academic excellence but also because of the global talent and economic value international students bring with them.

Impact by the numbers:

🎓 In the 2024–2025 academic year, international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contributed approximately $42.9 billion to the U.S. economy through tuition, living expenses, and other spending and supported over 355,000 American jobs across education, housing, dining, retail, transportation, and healthcare sectors.

They represent about 6 % of total U.S. college enrollment, bringing diverse perspectives and strengthening the global competitiveness of American institutions.

Beyond revenue, international students enable broader economic activity. For example, international student spending accounts for a significant share of overall U.S. travel exports, contributing tens of billions to the national trade balance.

And the ripple effects go deeper international students help sustain academic programs, contribute to research and innovation (especially in STEM fields), and fuel workforce entry via programs like OPT.

This isn’t just about tuition dollars it’s about jobs, innovation, and long-term global leadership. When we promote policies and services that support and retain international talent, we’re investing in stronger campuses, communities, and economies.

🎯 Let’s continue championing international education strategically, ethically, and collaboratively for the benefit of all learners and for the future of U.S. higher education.

SEVIS I-901 Fee & Reinstatement

SEVIS I-901 Fee & Reinstatement (Important)

If you are applying for F-1 reinstatement, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again, even if you already paid it in the past.

Reinstatement requires a new or reactivated SEVIS record, and that record cannot be processed without a new I-901 payment.

If the SEVIS I-901 fee is not paid:

Your reinstatement application can be delayed USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) In rare cases, the application can be denied

To avoid delays, always confirm that the correct SEVIS ID listed on your reinstatement I-20 matches the I-901 payment receipt.

👉 Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at: fmjfee.com