Here’s a look at the process to change your tourist visa to student visa while in the US. First, you need to submit Form I-539 to extend /change your non-immigrant status, via mail. The form needs to be supported by documents that prove your eligibility for the F-1 status.
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 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.
Can students travel on the Visa Waiver Program?
Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas. 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.
What type of visa do I need to study in USA?
If you truly are traveling to the United States as a tourist with the intent to study, you can request a B-2 prospective student visa. This visa can be issued if you are:
Can I switch from visitor 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 the US with a tourist visa?
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.
Can I convert tourist visa into student visa?
Yes, a B2 tourist visa can be changed to an F1 visa.
Can I convert my B1 B2 visa to student visa?
Under Section 248(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the United States government allows for certain non-immigrant visas to be changed or converted to another type of non-immigrant visa. While the purposes for which each visa type is issued, the US allows for B1/B2 visas to be converted to an F1 visa.
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 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.
How long 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.
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 extend tourist visa in USA?
If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires.
How long can we stay in US with B1 B2 visa?
B1 and B2 visa holders are allowed to stay in the US for up to 6 months at a time. Each visa application will be assessed on its own merit, and the adjudicating officer may grant a stay of less than 6 months – this is the maximum period for an initial stay under the B classification.
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 apply for student 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.
Can I study English in the US with a tourist visa?
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.
How long can one stay in the USA with a tourist visa?
6 monthsThe B1/B2 Visa is valid for 10 years, but for each entry, you are allowed to stay in the United States of American only for 180 days or 6 months (at most).
How can I change my visa status from B2 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.
How many days before you can go to the US to get a student visa?
For example, if you hope to arrive in the US more than 30 days before the start of your studies, you will need to apply for a visitor visa instead of an F1 visa or M1 visa. Once you are in the US and your studies are thirty days or less away, you can apply for a student visa.
What is a visitor visa?
This visa allows visitors to take recreational courses of study, on a short-term basis, as well. If the course is short-term and takes fewer than 18 hours per week, you can generally travel on a visitor visa. However, you will need a student visa (F1 visa) if you want to study for academic credit in the US or if you want to attend conference, seminars, and other programs of study that take more than 18 hours per week. If you are a vocational student attending classes in the US, you may need an M1 visa.
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.
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 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.
Preconceived Intent to Study
A lot of foreign nationals with B-2 visas assume that they can use it to enter the US, even when they actually want to pursue a course of study. They assume they can apply for a change of visa status once they get accepted in an academic program. This is known as “preconceived intent to study.”
How to Apply for a Change of Visa Status
If you’re confident that you can demonstrate to the USCIS that your intent to study arose only after entering the US, then you do have a chance to get a status change. Here’s a look at the process to change your tourist visa to student visa while in the US.
A Word of Caution
Do not start attending school until you receive approval from the USCIS regarding your status change request. In case you fail to maintain your non-immigrant status, you can be deported from the US and/or barred from returning to the country in future.
What if My Request is Denied?
If your status change request is denied, you can leave the US at the end of your trip and apply for a new F-1 visa from your home country.
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 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.
What documents do consular officers need to interview you for a student visa?
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and. Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;