how to change b2 to f1 visa

B2 to F1 Change of Status

• 1. B2 to F1 gets approved with change of status (you get the I-94)
• 2. B2 to F1 gets rejected
• 3. B2 to F1 gets approved without I-94/COS, which means you need to leave the country, interview at a US consulate and get F1 stamp.

Full Answer

Can a B1 B2 visa be converted to F1?

You will become ineligible for change of your non-immigrant status from B1 to F1 if you enroll in a course of study before the approval of your Form I-539. While converting from B1/B2 to F1 visa is possible and many international students make use of it.

Can I Change my B1/B2 visa to student status?

If a person already has a B1/B2 visa, they can get their B1 non-immigrant visitor status changed to student status, under Section 248 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and regulations in 8 CFR 248.1, under certain circumstances. Fortunately, this is not a novel thing.

Is F1 visa process faster than change of status?

Depending upon the program you’re applying for, student visas are usually processed faster than USCIS processes your change of status. This is because there are very few verifications required in case of a new F1 visa than the ones involved in the change of status.

Do you have to bridge the gap for F-1 visa?

You are not required to obtain status all the way up to the date that is 30 days before your program start date (“bridge the gap”), provided that your nonimmigrant status is unexpired at the time of filing the change of status to F-1 application, and you otherwise remain eligible for a change of status.

Can you switch from B2 to F-1?

Both B2 and F1 visas are categorized as nonimmigrant visas. Therefore, you can always switch from B2 to F1.

How long does it take to change B2 visa to F-1?

Processing times for change of status in the US vary, so be prepared to wait three to six months to learn the outcome of your application. To review current processing times and your pending case status, visit the USCIS Case Status Service Online.

Can I change my B1 B2 visa to F-1 in USA?

If you are in the United States as a tourist (on a B-2 visitor visa), it is possible to change your status to F-1 student, by submitting a request to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, getting this request approved is anything but guaranteed.

Can I change my tourist visa to student visa in USA?

If you are in the United States on a visitor visa, you can still change to F-1 student status to reflect your new circumstances. If you want to do this, you will already need to have been accepted to study at a U.S. academic institution, and fulfill all the other requirements of the F-1 visa.

Can I study in USA with B1 B2 visa?

Per federal regulations, B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrants (i.e., visitors who are in the United States for business and pleasure purposes) are prohibited from enrolling in a course of study at a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.

Can I apply for F1 visa while in US?

You cannot apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa inside the U.S. Visas can only be obtained outside of the U.S. at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is advisable to apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate in your home country, unless circumstances or travel plans make this impossible.

How long does it take to get an F1 visa?

Processing with USCIS can take 6 – 8 months plus mailing time or longer depending on USCIS processing times. While the application is pending you may not leave the United States.

Can I stay in the US while waiting for change of status?

The application process for a Change of Status (COS) will allow you to remain in the US while the decision is pending, provided the application is filed in a timely manner with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Can I have both F-1 and B2 visa?

Yes, as long as the visas are for different purposes. For example it is OK to have a B1/B2 (tourist/business) and F1 (student) together, but not OK to have two valid F1 visas.

Can a B2 visa holder apply for a work permit?

In order to work in the United States, the B2 visitor must obtain a change of status to a category that permits employment [see change of status].

What do I need for F1 visa interview?

Passport valid for travel to the United States. Form DS-160, “Nonimmigrant Visa Application,” confirmation page. Department of State visa application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview. Photograph that meets all photograph requirements for a U.S. visa.

Does F1 visa allow you to work?

You must maintain valid F1 status. You can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. You can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacation periods if you intend to register for the next academic semester. The employment may not displace (take a job away from) a U.S. resident.

How can I change my B2 visa to student visa?

All other B1 and B2 visitors may apply for a change of nonimmigrant status to F1/M1 student by filing the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Status. However, B visitors should be aware of the 30/60 day rule [see comprehensive article].

Can I change tourist visa to work permit in USA?

The answer is yes, you can, but should you? A change of status means a change in your intention. For example, when you obtain a visa and enter the USA, you would have expressed to the US government your intention of a brief visit. The change in such intention can be construed to be deliberate and preconceived.

Can you have a student visa and tourist visa at the same time?

You may apply for two different visas at the same time if you can show that you will enter the United States on the first visa, leave and re-enter on the other. You are required to complete one visa application form DS-160 but pay two MRV fees; the second fee is paid to the Embassy cashier on the day of the interview.

Can you switch visa types?

For most economic routes, it is possible to switch from any visa, other than those listed above, as long as you are able to meet all other requirements for the particular visa you want. However, some categories are stricter.

How to apply for a change to F-1 student status?

You must take the following steps to apply for a change in status to F-1 student status.

How long does a B visa last?

Your B-1 or B-2 status will expire more than 30 days before the start date of the course of study indicated on your Form I-20. For example, if the start date of your course of study is August 25th this year, but your B-1 or B-2 visa is valid only until July 22nd of this year (more than 30 days), you will need to file a second Form I-539 to extend your visa. Check USCIS processing times to ensure that you file for the extension on time, but you should apply at least 45 days in advance.

Is there an alternative way to get an F-1 student visa?

If you prefer, or if USCIS declines your application for change of status, you can go back to your home country and apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Here’s everything you need to know for your F-1 student visa application.

How far in advance do you have to apply for an extension?

Check USCIS processing times to ensure that you file for the extension on time, but you should apply at least 45 days in advance. You had to defer the start date of the course of study indicated on your Form I-20 to the following academic term or semester because you did not receive a decision from USCIS on your application for change ...

What is the form I-20?

2. Once you are enrolled in SEVIS, you will receive a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status — For Academic and Language Students,” from your school.

How many hours can you take a B1 class?

These courses must not lead to a degree or certification, and must be less than 18 hours per week.

Do I have to pay SEVIS fee?

3. Once you have the Form I-20, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. Keep the receipt, as you will need to show proof of your payment during your visa interview.

How to apply for an F-1 visa?

Next, you will have to apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for your visa to travel to the United States as a student. The next steps will differ depending on the embassy or consulate you apply through, but generally, you will need to complete Form DS-160, pay the application fee and schedule an interview. If your interview is successful, you will be issued a visa that will allow you to enter the U.S. on F-1 student status.

How long before school starts can I get an F-1 visa?

The F-1 student visa allows you to enter the United States up to 30 days before your school program starts. If you are in the United States on a visitor visa, and your status will expire more than 30 days before your program start date, then you have two options: you can request to extend your current status by filing another Form I-539 to USCIS, ...

How do I change my status?

If you’ve been accepted to study at a U.S.-based Student and Exchange Visitor Program ( SEVP)-approved school, congratulations! There are two ways you can change your status. One option is to apply directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adjust your status while your B-1/B-2 visitor visa is still valid. If you choose this , you will need to make sure you apply before your B-1/B-2 status runs out. Otherwise, you can also choose to apply for a student visa through consular processing from outside the United States.

When should I change my status from visitor to student?

When should I change my status from a visitor to a student? You should apply to change your status before your program starts. Bear in mind that if you are in the United States on a B-1/B-2 visa, you cannot enroll in classes or begin studying until USCIS has approved your change of status.

Do I have to wait for the I-539?

Once you have filed Form I-539, you will need to wait for USCIS to respond. While you are waiting, however, you will need to make sure that your original visitor status through your B-1/B-2 visa is still valid.

What if My Change of Status Application to F-1 Nonimmigrant Student is Approved More than 30 Days Before My F-1 Program Start Date?

If we approve an application more than 30 days before your program start date, you must ensure that you do not violate your F-1 status. An example of a violation would be engaging in employment, including on-campus employment and practical training, more than 30 days before the program start date as listed on your Form I-20.

What is the F-1 status?

Individuals who are prohibited from enrolling in class must first acquire F-1 (academic student) or M-1 (vocational student) status. Enrolling in a course of study while in a status that does not permit enrolling in a class will result in a status violation. Individuals who have violated their nonimmigrant status by enrolling in a course ...

How to apply for a student visa in the US?

Until you receive notice of approval from USCIS, do not assume the requested status has been approved. Before USCIS may approve your application, you must take the following steps: 1 Apply to and receive acceptance from a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. 2 Obtain an initial Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, from the SEVP-certified school. The Designated School Official (DSO) should give change of status in the Issue Reason section of the Form I-20. 3 Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. 4 File a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS.

How long does it take for USCIS to change status?

If USCIS has not adjudicated your change of status at least 15 days before the program start date on your Form I-20, contact the DSO at your new school. If USCIS does not grant your request to change status prior to the start date of classes, you will need to defer attendance and wait until the following term in order to begin your studies at ...

What is the DSO on I-20?

Obtain an initial Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, from the SEVP-certified school. The Designated School Official (DSO) should give change of status in the Issue Reason section of the Form I-20.

Is my non-immigrant status valid?

your nonimmigrant status remains valid; you have not violated the conditions of your status; and. you have not committed any crimes or engaged in any other actions that would make you ineligible for change of status. Until you receive notice of approval from USCIS, do not assume the requested status has been approved.

Can a nonimmigrant be extended to F-1?

Individuals who have violated their nonimmigrant status by enrolling in a course of study are not eligible to extend their status or change to F-1 or M-1 status.