/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Immigration Status Update

If you change your immigration status (for example, to H-1B or U.S. permanent resident), you must notify Visa and Immigration Services (VIS).

VIS will update or close your F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record based on your new status.

In most cases, you should maintain your current F-1 or J-1 status until your new status is approved and takes effect. Ending your status early may limit your options if your application is delayed or denied.

VIS advisors can provide guidance on maintaining your student or scholar status. However, VIS cannot provide legal advice. You should consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions about changing your status.

Permanent Resident (Green Card)

Pending Application

If you have applied for U.S. permanent residence, you may have questions about whether to keep or end your F-1 or J-1 status.

In some cases, you may request to close your SEVIS record while your application is pending. You should make this decision in consultation with a qualified immigration attorney.

If you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) based on your pending application, you should speak with an immigration attorney before using it. Using this type of EAD may affect your F-1 status, particularly if your permanent residence application is not approved.

Important: Ending your F-1 or J-1 status before your permanent residence is approved may affect your ability to remain in or return to the United States. VIS cannot advise on legal consequences.

Approved Permanent Residence

If you become a U.S. permanent resident, you must notify VIS. 

To report your status change:

  • Submit the Ending My F-1 Status eForm in accessVIS
  • Upload a copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

VIS will then close your SEVIS record, as you are no longer in F-1 or J-1 status.

Change of Status to Another Visa Category

If you change your status within the United States, or if you travel and reenter the U.S. in a different immigration status, you must notify VIS.

To report your status change:

VIS will then close your SEVIS record, as you are no longer in F-1 or J-1 status.

Tuition Residency

VIS does not determine your tuition residency status.

A change in immigration status may affect how you are classified for tuition purposes. For questions about residency, contact the Office of Student Financial Services at residency@stonybrook.edu.