Whether you are in the US on a B-1/B-2 tourist or business visa and decide you want to study, you are in luck! You can convert your visitor visa to an F-1 student visa. That way you can stay in the US and begin your studies. We will cover how you can convert your visitor visa to a student visa including who needs to apply, what you need to bring along, and some tips in this article.
What Law and Visas Can Do To HELP?
This can be a confusing visa process but you can have professional guidance throughout the process with Law and Visas. We are here to help you with your F-1 visa application to Visa interview preparation. See how we can help you.
Conditions: Can You Switch To An F-1 Visa?
For many international students, coming to the United States comes after years of preparation. Not a citizen or resident, but you’ll need an F-1 student visa to legally study in the United States, even if you entered the United States first on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
Then you have to get into a US school accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to get approved for an F-1 visa. After you get accepted, you can start converting yourself from visitor to student. You need your B-1/B-2 visa to stay in the country while your application is processed, so you’re not locked out of the US.
Are You Not Sure If You Are Approved For an F-1 Student Visa?
Get in touch to verify if you qualify for an F-1 visa using our free questionnaire and begin your path to U.S. education.
Change Your Visa Status from Visitor to Student Visa How to Transfer Your Status From Visitor To Student Visa.
Your B-1/B-2 visitor visa status is converted to an F-1 student visa in two main ways: through USCIS, and by using the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or by consular processing outside the U.S.
2nd Route: Adjust Status with USCIS.
To re-enter the U.S., you can do these:
Get Your School’s Form I-20: Once accepted to a SEVP-certified school, your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) will send you the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” Form I-20 (the DSO will say “change of status” as their reason for sending the form).
Be Ready for the SEVIS Fee: The I-901 SEVIS fee helps fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which identifies U.S. students.
Send Form I-539 to USCIS: Fill out and send in Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status” to USCIS. : You will also need to pay the filing fee and biometrics fee.
You’ll Have to Wait For USCIS To Accept: After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll have to wait for USCIS to grant your change of status. Ensure your visitor status is still active during the wait.
2nd Alternative: Consular Processing of Student Visa Application
You can leave the U.S. and obtain an F-1 student visa via consular processing if you’d like. Here’s how:
Get I-20 from Your School: After getting into a SEVP-accredited school, pay the SEVIS fee and have your school issue an I-20 proving that you qualify for an F-1 visa.
Apply in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: Make an appointment in the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country or any other consular service location. You will have to submit Form DS-160 (online visa application), pay the visa application fee, and come for your visa interview.
Attend Your Visa Interview: You will be asked about studying in the U.S. at your visa interview and might need to bring along documents such as your Form I-20 and financial aid.
Get Your F-1 Visa: You’ll be granted your F-1 visa and will be admitted to the United States as a full-time student if your interview goes well.
How If I Get My F-1 Visa And Visitor Visa Ends Before I Get My F-1 Visa?
You can make one of the following changes if your B-1/B-2 visa is over, but your F-1 student visa will be granted prior to your change of status or your F-1 student visa has not been granted.
Ask for an Extension: You can ask for a visitor visa extension by submitting another Form I-539 to USCIS. : Make this application early enough so you don’t run out of visa time.
Be Away from the US and File for an F-1 Visa: if your visitor status is 30 or more days away from the start date of your program, you may need to be out of the US and file for an F-1 visa through consular processing.
Please keep in mind that you can come to the U.S. up to 30 days before your program commences if you have an F-1 visa approved.
It is Your Time to Switch Status To a Student Visa?
The key is to apply for your status before your semester starts. You can’t start studying when you’re awaiting your decision so allow plenty of time for processing. If you do not hear back from USCIS at least 15 days before your program begins, ask your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) for help.
Some Tips to Note:
Don’t Enter the Classes Until The Change: If you are on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, you can’t start the classes until after your change of status is finalized.
Ensure That Your Visitor Visa Is Current: During the whole process, make sure that your visa is current and do not overstay it.
Tip: Processing times at USCIS are subject to change, so apply early and don’t wait.
Follow the Law and Visas and Let Them Lead You.
It is not always an easy task to get a visa but with Law and Visas you can get one and it will not be your problem. Whether you need assistance in application or preparation for a visa interview, we are your go-to team. Are you looking to study in the US? We can make it happen.
Have Questions?
If you have no idea how to file your F-1 visa application or want to schedule your visa interview, Law and Visas is here for you. Our consultants are available for all your queries and individual guidance.
FAQs:
Do I Have The Option To Rank From Visitor To Student? Yes! If you are in the US on a B-1/B-2 visa and would like to study, you can apply to be converted to an F-1 student visa if accepted to a U.S. school and your visitor visa still has validity.
How Can I Receive My F-1 Visa If My Visitor Visa Runs Out Before My F-1 Visa? When your visitor visa is up, you can ask USCIS for an extension or you can leave the country and get an F-1 visa by consular processing.
When Does Status Transition Take Time? There is a processing delay by USCIS, so submit it soon. Keep track of your visa status and be prepared for delays.
Do I Have to Move Out of the U.S. To Get an F-1 Visa? Not necessarily. You can file a change of status with USCIS or file for the F-1 visa by consular processing in case you leave the U.S.
You have everything you need to know about converting from a visitor visa to an F-1 student visa with this revised, complete guide. Let Law and Visas help you get started to study in the US!
