how to change visitor visa to student visa 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.

Full Answer

How do I change my visitor visa to student status?

After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.

Can a tourist visa be converted to a student visa?

Tourist visas or B-2 visas can change to student or F-1 visas with the right circumstances and paperwork filled out through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or the USCIS. Getting approval from the requested documentation does not come with any guarantee that the tourist can remain in the country and go to school.

Can a student apply for a student visa from outside the US?

Applying for a Student Visa From Outside the United States If concerned that you will not be able to file a successful change of status application, or if your change of status application gets denied, you can leave the United States and apply for your F-1 visa in your home country. Applying outside the United States does have its advantages.

How do I Change my B-2 visa to F-1 student?

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).

Can I convert tourist visa into student visa?

Yes, a B2 tourist visa can be changed to an F1 visa.

Can I change B2 visa to F-1?

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 study in the US with a tourist visa?

A student visa (F or M) is required to study in the United States. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), except to undertake recreational study (non-credit) as part of a tourist visit. For more information on the VWP, see Visa Waiver Program.

Can I change my visitor 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 I convert my B1 B2 visa to student visa?

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 visa status in USA?

In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were lawfully admitted to the United States in an eligible nonimmigrant status, your nonimmigrant status remains valid, you have not violated the conditions of your status and you have not committed any crimes that would make you ineligible.

Can a visitor go to school in USA?

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.

Can a tourist go to school in USA?

A person who wishes to study in the USA generally needs to apply for a student visa. The F-1 student visa is for academic study and the M-1 student visa is for study which is not principally academic in nature (i.e. vocational study).

How much bank balance is required for U.S. student visa?

Cost. While there are no rules requiring a minimum bank balance to apply for a student visa for the USA from India, it costs approximately $500 USD to obtain your F-1 student visa.

How many months can I stay in USA with tourist visa?

six monthsWhen you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.

Can I apply for a student visa while in the 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 change visa status from b2 to F-1?

approximately 10-12 monthsThe Trump administration put in place a policy specifically designed to increase the burden and cost of the B-2 visitor to F-1 student change of status process. Currently, USCIS takes approximately 10-12 months to process an application for change or extension of status, Form I-539.

Can I study English with a tourist visa in USA?

English (ESL) Classes for Tourists Tourists visiting the United States can use some of their free time to study. Federal law allows tourists to take short, part-time courses of study with a B1/B2 visa.

How many months can I stay in USA with tourist visa?

six monthsWhen you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.

Can you go to college with a visa?

For international students, many wonder if they need a student visa to study in the United States. There is no short answer to this question but in general, yes, you will need a visa to study in the USA.

Can I get a visa to study English in USA?

Student visa (F-1): for full-time English course (over 18 hours per week): Students who enroll in an English course with more than 18 hours of classes per week will need an F-1 student visa. After paying for the course, the student will receive an I-20 that to submit to the US embassy along with the visa application.

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.

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.

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 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.

What must you do while application is pending?

You must make sure that you maintain your B-1 or B-2 status while you are waiting for your application to be approved. You may be required to file a second Form I-539 (along with the requisite fee) to extend the validity of your B-1 or B-2 status in two situations.

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 ...

How long before I-20 can I start school?

If you don’t have a decision from USCIS at least 15 days before the program start date on your Form I-20, you should contact the DSO at your new school. You may not start school until your application has been approved, so you would have to defer your attendance until then.

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.

Why is it important to travel back home before applying for an F-1 visa?

If a preconceived intent does exist , this foreign national should travel back home before applying for the F-1 visa to avoid possible denials.

Why is it important to get a B-2 visa?

Generally, it is important for a foreign national to plan ahead and pursue a B-2 visa before leaving his or her country. This can help in the adjustment if the individual wants to tour the United States first or has given the thought of school more consideration by the time he or she arrives in the American nation.

What to do if you have no preconceived intent to study?

If there is no preconceived intent to study that led to the change during a tourist visit, the foreign national will need to document the decision leading to the want to pursue the educational course work. He or she will need details and the specific circumstances that changed his or her mind mid-tourist visit. The sooner this person made contact with a college or university after arriving in the country, the more likely the USCIS will view this situation as one with preconceived intent.

What is a B-2 visa?

The visitor visa or a B-2 visa is only for those foreign nationals that want to travel to the United States for pleasure, tourism or medical procedures that are necessary and can only happen in this country . This is usually a short temporary visit that ends with the person leaving back to his or her original point of departure. The nonimmigrant can take a brief period to study something recreational that is not a full course of educational work with this type of visa. He or she must have a full intent to study to have an F-1 visa instead.

Can a B-2 visa be changed to a F-1 visa?

Tourist visas or B-2 visas can change to student or F-1 visas with the right circumstances and paperwork filled out through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or the USCIS. Getting approval from the requested documentation does not come with any guarantee that the tourist can remain in the country and go to school.

Can a foreigner adjust their visa?

It is possible to adjust a current visa for a foreign national living in the United States when he or she files the appropriate forms with the USCIS. However, this is a lengthy process for some, and others will find the filing and filling out of the documents tedious and confusing without an immigration lawyer assisting with the change. Another important factor is demonstrating to the USCIS that the person has every intention to study in the country. Without a full detailed explanation of why the change from a tourist to student visa is important, the foreign national may not acquire the adjustment to remain in the American

What is a B-2 student visa?

The B-2 prospective student visa eliminates USCIS's concern about preconceived intent and increases your chances of a successful change of status application.

How to change status on I-539?

You have to submit USCIS Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status to USCIS, by mail. The I-539 application must include supporting documents that show that you are eligible for F-1 status. This documentation should include, but is not limited to the following: 1 Form I-20 issued by the academic institution you are going to attend. 2 Proof of liquid assets to cover your estimated education and living expenses, and 3 Proof that you have significant ties to your home country and will return there right after you complete your academic program.

Who issues the I-20?

Form I-20 issued by the academic institution you are going to attend.

Do you have to know what your intent is when you enter the US?

Only you know what your true intent was when you entered the United States. If you did have a preconceived intent to study, you should avoid the change of status application and travel home to apply for the F-1 visa.

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.

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 if My Current Status Doesn’t Allow Me to Enroll in Classes?

If you are requesting to change from another nonimmigrant status to F or M student status and your current nonimmigrant status does not permit you to enroll in classes, do not enroll in classes or begin your studies until USCIS has approved your change of 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 designated school official (DSO) at your new school. If USCIS does not grant your request to change status prior to the start date of classes, you may need to defer attendance and wait until the following term in order to begin your studies at the school in F or M status.

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.

Do I have to maintain a valid nonimmigrant status while I am applying for a change of status?

Please note that if you are applying to change status to M status, you must maintain a valid nonimmigrant status while your Form I-539 change of status application is pending.

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.

Where to apply for a student visa?

After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.

How far in advance can you get a student visa?

New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

What happens after a visa interview?

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.

How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).

What is a B visa?

After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.

What happens if you fail to leave the US on time?

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

What is the purpose of a consular interview?

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.