Change of Status

The following questions are a guideline to help you decide if you should make extra efforts to prove your true intent to study in the U.S.:

• What did you tell the consular officer was the purpose of your visit to the U.S.?
• Upon entry to the U.S., what did you tell the immigration officer was the purpose of your visit?
• How and when did you arrive at your decision to study in the U.S.?
• How and when did you first contact the University, and when were you informed you had been admitted?
• If prior to your entry into the U.S. your intention was to attend school, why didn't you apply for an F-1 student visa rather than your current visa?
• Have you been in the U.S. before? When and for what purpose?
• Any relatives in the U.S.? If so, what types of status are they here on?

The regulations prohibit beginning a full course of study until the change of status to F-1 is approved.

F-1 status cannot begin earlier than 30 days before the start date on your I-20. You should submit your application several months in advance, and you must be able to maintain your current B-1/B-2 status until 30 days before the I-20 start date. If your tourist status will expire prior to 30 days before your I-20 start date, your application will most likely be denied. Even though you are allowed to stay in the U.S. while the application is pending, if your application is likely to be denied, it will be better for you to travel, obtain an F-1 visa abroad, and reenter the U.S. in F-1 status. 

If you have a B-1/B-2 Visitor visa with “prospective student” endorsement, you should have little difficulty changing to student status.  If you do not have this endorsement noted on your Visa, try your best to answer the above questions and include the information below.

Proof of strong financial ties to your home country is a great indicator of “nonimmigrant intent”.  Note that you cannot use the same assets that will be used to pay for your F-1 or J-1 programs.

• Suggestive documents to submit: Copies of investment statements, home country work contracts, home ownership documents.

If all members of your immediate family live in your home country, or if a member of your immediate family (in your home country) is not in good health, this is another reason to indicate that you might return to your home country.

• Suggestive documents to submit: Copies of official documents providing family relationships, letters from physicians explaining any special medical condition of your family members.

If you have visited other countries and returned to your home country after those visits in a timely manner, you have demonstrated a pattern of obeying immigration regulations.  USCIS will be more likely to believe that you will return home after your study in the U.S.  The more trips you have made, the better your situation.

• Suggestive documents to submit: Copies of current and past passports with visa, entry and exist stamps.

If you have additional questions or concerns regarding this process.  Please feel free to contact OISS for assistance.