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 I study in the US on a visitor visa?
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.
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.
See 4 key topics from this page & related content
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 a visitor convert student visa?
It is safe to say that converting from a visitor visa to a study visa is the best immigration method with the lowest threshold, the lowest cost, and the highest success rate.
Can I study in USA 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.
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 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.
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 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.
How much bank balance is required for US 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.
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 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).
How long is F1 visa valid?
For Indian passport holders, F-1 student visas are generally valid for five years from the start date of your programme. However, although your student visa may be valid for five years, your stay in the United States on your student visa is dependent on your status as a student.
Can I transfer from B1 to F-1?
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 visitor visa be converted to student visa in Canada?
Yes. You can apply for a study permit while you're in Canada.
Can I convert my tourist visa to student visa in Spain?
Until September 2018, non-EU students couldn't apply for a student visa in Spain. However, the law changed and now it's to do it from Spain. This means that you can enter Spain with a tourist visa, enroll in a course, and then apply for a student visa without having to leave the country.
Can Australian tourist visa be converted to student visa?
If you already have a Tourist Visa in Australia, you are eligible to apply for bachelor's or masters that you're itching to get. While visiting, you can convert your visitor visa to a student one without ever leaving the country. You get to study and extend your stay without any restrictions.
Can I change my tourist visa to student visa in Germany?
Tourist and language course visas may not be converted into a student visa later on. If you have the wrong visa, you will have to leave the country. Arrange your date of arrival in Germany so that you have enough time to enrol at your university and take care of the administrative formalities.
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.
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.
Who issues the I-20?
Form I-20 issued by the academic institution you are going to attend.
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.
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.
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;
