How to Change a Visa From B2 to F1
A B2 visa allows you to be admitted to the United States as a prospective student. Having a B2 visa makes the process of switching to an F1 visa easier. Changing your status should be started at least 45 days before the expiration of your I-94 entry card so that the visa is processed in a timely fashion and you do not accrue any out-of-status time. Changing from a B2 to an F1 visa starts with form I-539, the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
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Things You'll Need
- Current, valid machine-readable passport
- Form I-20 issued by your school
- Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
- Supporting documents including financial support information, copy of Form I-94, school acceptance letters and other information used to obtain the I-20
- Filing fee
Instructions
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Declare yourself as a prospective student when entering the U.S. on your B2 visa. This will allow the immigration officer to stamp your passport with a "Prospective Student" stamp. The presence of this stamp signifies the declaration of your intent and can make your application process easier.
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Obtain Form I-20 from the office of international student affairs at your school. This form signifies your eligibility for the F1 visa and includes information about your school, your acceptance to the school, your study schedule and your ability to pay for your education.
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Fill out Form I-539. This is the application to change your status from a B2 to an F1 visa and asks questions about your immigration intent, your study plans and your reason for changing your status. If you did not have "Prospective Student" stamped on your visa, you will need to have a letter included with the I-539 explaining why this intent was not declared when you entered the US.
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Gather your supporting documentation. This includes your I-20, acceptance letter to your school, proof of payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program fee, financial documentation used to satisfy the requirements for the I-20, photocopy of your I-94 (Arrival Record) and a copy of your current passport.
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Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the USCIS service center listed on the I-539 instructions for your state. Applications are processed at several USCIS service centers and depend on your location.
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References
Resources
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