Office of International Education at the University of Georgia

The U.S. government has updated information regarding filing of I-539 forms to extend or change non-immigrant status, or to file an F-1 reinstatement application.  In summary, when filing an I-539 form, students and scholars should file the application with only a COPY of the signed I-20 or DS-2019 form. When the case is approved, USCIS will no longer return the original approved stamped I-20 or DS-2019 form.  An approved USCIS stamp on an I-20 form or DS-2019 form is no longer required in order to receive benefits such as a change of immigration status, or a social security number. NOTE: International Students in F-1 status still must have an active SEVIS record, and an endorsement (signature) on the I-20 form from your immigration adviser at UGA.

Please contact us at issis@uga.edu if you have questions.

Please click here to access our ISSIS Update memo.  You can also visit the USCIS website for additional information.