Change of status from TD to F-1

[kaif]

If someone is on TD status, does the person need to leave the country to change to F-1 status or can the application for change of status be done by mail without leaving the country?

[Steven]

It can be done either way, although it's probably quicker to leave and re-enter and given that F-1 is pretty straightforward it might be easier to do that. Plus it may be cheaper if you live near the border (either border, I doubt F-1 would be a problem at the Mexican border).

Otherwise you can file I-539 and do it that way.