If you’re a Business / Tourist (B1/B2) Visa Holder and want to change visa status to F1/M1 Student Visa @ at United States’s University or College, High School, or other academic Diploma or Degree or Certificate which will be issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The United States B1/B2 Visa Holder must file a request for the F1 or M1 Visa Status by appropriate from by the USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Until your visa changed visa status approved with valid authorization, don’t join any university or school as a student. if you failed to maintain the nonimmigrant visa staus, visa holder may be deported to your home country.
Convert B1 / B2 to F1 or M1 Student Visa
Under the USCIS Section 248 of the Immigration & Nationality Act & Regulations in 8 CFR 248.1 can get to change the status from B1/B2 Visa status to Student Visa Status. You can change your visa status by return back to your home country or can convert the visa status to b1/b2 to F1 or M1 visa status while living in the United Status.
If any business / tourist visa holder wants to learn about the full process and general rules, regulations, eligibility to Convert B1 / B2 to F1 / M1 Student Visa. Please take look about Change of Nonimmigrant Visa Status.
Change US Visa Status Eligibility :
- If You’re a lawfully admitted nonimmigrant visa holder of B1/B2 Category in the United States
- You have not committed any crime or action
- Reason to Change the Visa Status
- Valid Passport and All Supporting & Mandatory Documents
- Don’t have preconceived intent of studying
How To Apply for Changing the Visa Status
Before applying for the Change of visa status, know about some factors like
- USCIS always process the visa application within 3 months & during this time visa holder should not travel outside the US otherwise visa process can be abandoned.
- USCIS can send a request for evidence to provide the documents mandatory or additional list.
- B1/B2 visa holder are not allowed to start studies until the change of visa status approved.
Here is the step by step process, take a look ;
(1) Apply for SEVP Certified Schools or College: First a student make a research to find out the course applying from Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified school before enrolling for the F1 or M1 Visa in the United States. A Student can find the school according to his course by searching school name, city, state/territory, zip code and education type.
(2) Fill Form I-20 : After Finding the School and registration into the SEVP certified School, the Designate school will issue the The Form I-20 for F-1 and M-1 Student Status. Now Fill the form issued by the SEVP certified School.
(3) Pay the Form I-901 Fees : after the enrolment of the student into SEVP certified school, student must pay for the Form I-901 Fees and Take Receipt of Payment Confirmation.
(4) Apply For Form I-539 For Changing Status : Now Last file for the Form I-539 which is used to extend or change the nonimmigrant visa status by including the all supporting and other documents to verify the eligibility of F1 or M1 Visa.
File By mail to These Addresses : Check Here
File Online Form I-539 Here : Check Here
Note: Always remember on the basis of nonimmigrant visa B1/B2 not allow or permit to enroll in classes or begin studies until the USCIS has approved the request to convert the status from B1/B2 to F Visa or M Visa.
Form I-539 Filing Fees
According to USCIS, the Form Filing Fees for Form I-539 is 370$ and Additional Biometric Verification Fees 85$.
After Applying Online or By Mail form I-539, USCIS may ask you to Receive the Biometrics Appointment through notice, and requests for evidence through the USCIS Online Account.
Documents Required for Changing the Status
- Valid & Original Passport
- Completed I-539 Application Form
- A Scanned Copy of Form I-94
- Form I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Signed Photocopy of Form I-20 Issued by the SEVP Certified School
- Proof of Financial Support
- Detailed Purpose Letter to Explain the Reason to Change the Status B1/B2 to F-1 or M-1
- Note: This documents checklist is not limited, USCIS may ask for any support or additional documents according to their wish and Don’t Send Original Documents until USCIS mas asked.
If you have any query ask in comment box.
