How do I change status--From B to F?
Filling out Form I-539
Why would you need to change your visa status from B to F?<
If you entered the U.S. on a visa other than a student visa (F or J) and you wish to study, you will need to change your status.
Note: you may not begin studies until the Department of Homeland Security adjudicates your request.
Four of the situations where a change of status might be sought include:
- You have a B-2 visa with the notation "prospective student." That is, you told the consular officer that you wish to study, but you are not certain at which college/university you will study. That officer can write "prospective student" on your B-2 visitor's visa. You should be able to obtain a change to F-1 status.
- You intended to study in the U.S. but the consular officer neglected to write "prospective student" on the B-2 visa.
- You entered the U.S. in B-2 status. After arriving in the country, you decided to attend school, applied & was admitted to a school, and obtained a form I-20A-B.
- While outside the U.S. you believed you would encounter difficulty in securing an F-1 visa from a consular officer and obtained a B-2 visa, and entered the country intending to apply to change to F-1 status here
If you are in the first three categories, and can make your case clearly, you should be able to change to F-1 status. If you are in categories 2 and 3 you may have a problem to convince the USCIS of your good faith and you should provide whatever information or evidence is available to support you contention that you are entitled to change to F-1 status. If you are in category 4, you will not be able to change your status.
Check List For Changing status:
On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions and be prepared to discuss them with the International student advisor:
- Explain why you did not enter the U.S. in the F-1 or F-2 status you now seek?
- Have you been engaging in the activities for which you were admitted to the United States? Explain:
- After you entered the U.S., you decided to attend school. What information or other factors led you to make that decision? (Persons in B statuses who told the consular officer they intended to attend school, or who wrote about the intention on the visa application should explain here. Those who entered as a dependent spouse or child may skip this question.)
- In what country do you intend to live and study after you have completed your studies in the United States? Why?
- Explain how your course of study will help you academically or professionally after you leave the U.S.
You will send the following to USCIS:
- A completed Form I-539, Application to Extend Status/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You may download and print the form from the USCIS web site:
http://uscis.gov/
You may copy only the pages of the form itself and not print the instructions.
- A properly executed and original Form I-20A-B from ULV. Be sure to sign item 11.
- Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee
- A photocopy of your Form I-94 (front and back)
- Photocopy of your passport ID page and visa
- Photocopies of evidence of financial support
- Dependent family member documentation (if applicable)
- A check for $200.00, made out to the: Department of Homeland Security
- Optional: letter explaining why you wish to change your status to F-1.
You will send the documents to:
USCIS California Service Center
P O Box 10539
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-0539
NOTES:
- A Non-immigrant applying for change of status from B-1 or B-2 to F-1 may not begin his/her studies until the USCIS has approved his/her change of status application.
- Some categories of non-immigrant visitors are not permitted to change to F-1 status in the United States.