Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to change your visa status from a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to an F-1 student visa in the United States. If you're currently in the U.S. on a visitor visa and are considering becoming a student, this article is for you.

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the U.S. temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure, tourism, or medical treatment (B-2). On the other hand, the F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students who wish to study in the U.S.

Changing your visa status involves a series of steps and requirements, which we will detail in this guide. To be eligible for this change, you must be accepted to study at a U.S. academic institution and fulfill all the requirements of the F-1 visa. We will outline two paths to change your visa status: applying directly to [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)](/immigration-resources/uscis-processing-times-guide) to adjust your status while your visitor visa is still valid, or applying for a student visa through [consular processing](/immigration-resources/us-immigration-court-guide) from outside the United States. In both cases, you will need to obtain Form I-20 from your [SEVP-certified university](/immigration-resources/f-1-visa-guide) or language program, pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, and apply for the visa. 

Stay with us as we guide you through this process, providing you with the information you need to successfully change your visa status.

Before we delve into the process of changing your visa status, it's important to understand the nature of the B-1/B-2 visitor visa. This is the visa you currently hold, and understanding its purpose, duration, and limitations will help you navigate the transition to an F-1 student visa more effectively.

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to individuals who wish to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1), or for pleasure, tourism, or medical treatment (B-2). This visa is typically issued for a period of six months, but the duration can be extended in six-month increments under certain circumstances.

However, the B-1/B-2 visitor visa comes with certain limitations. As a holder of this visa, you are not permitted to study or work in the United States. This is where the F-1 student visa comes in. If you wish to pursue academic studies in the U.S., you will need to change your visa status to an F-1 student visa.

Remember, it's crucial to respect the terms of your current visa while you're in the process of changing your status. Violating the terms of your B-1/B-2 visitor visa, such as by starting your studies before your F-1 visa is approved, could jeopardize your ability to remain in the United States.

Now that we've covered the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, let's turn our attention to the F-1 student visa. This is the visa you're aiming to acquire, so understanding its purpose, duration, and benefits is key to your transition.

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students who wish to study in the United States. Unlike the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, the F-1 visa allows you to engage in academic studies in the U.S., at an approved school or accredited university.

The duration of the F-1 visa is typically tied to the duration of your study program. This means that as long as you are enrolled in your academic program and maintaining your status as a full-time student, your F-1 visa remains valid. It's important to note that you must maintain a full course of study to keep your F-1 status.

One of the major benefits of the F-1 student visa is that it allows you to work in the United States, under certain conditions. On-campus employment is generally allowed without the need for additional authorization. Off-campus employment, however, requires authorization and is usually based on economic hardship or related to your field of study (known as Optional Practical Training or Curricular Practical Training).

Remember, the F-1 student visa is a great opportunity to study and gain work experience in the United States. However, it comes with its own set of responsibilities. It's crucial to understand and abide by the rules of your F-1 visa to maintain your status in the U.S.

Eligibility Criteria for Changing Visa Status

Now that we've covered the basics of both the B-1/B-2 visitor visa and the F-1 student visa, let's discuss the eligibility criteria for changing your visa status. This is a crucial step in the process, as you must meet certain requirements to successfully transition from a visitor visa to a student visa.

First and foremost, to be eligible for an F-1 student visa, you must be accepted to study at a U.S. academic institution. This means you need to apply and be admitted to a school or university in the U.S. that is authorized to enroll international students. The institution must be certified by the [Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)](https://www.ice.gov/sevis^).

Once you've been accepted to an SEVP-certified institution, you'll need to fulfill all the requirements of the F-1 visa. This includes demonstrating financial ability to support yourself during your studies, proving that you have ties to your home country (to show that you intend to return after your studies), and showing that you are proficient in English or enrolled in English language courses.

It's important to note that you must maintain your B-1/B-2 status while your change of status application is pending. This means you cannot start your studies until your change of status to F-1 is approved.

Remember, meeting these eligibility criteria is a crucial step in changing your visa status. Make sure you understand and fulfill all these requirements to increase your chances of a successful transition to an F-1 student visa.

Changing Visa Status: Applying Directly to USCIS

One of the paths to change your visa status from a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to an F-1 student visa is by applying directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while your visitor visa is still valid. This section will guide you through this process.

First, you need to obtain Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," from your SEVP-certified university or language program. This form is proof that you have been accepted to a program of study in the U.S. Your school will send you the Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) database.

Next, you need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. This is a mandatory fee for all F-1 visa applicants. You can pay this fee online on the SEVIS website. Make sure to print the receipt of your payment, as you will need it for your visa application.

Once you have your Form I-20 and have paid the I-901 SEVIS fee, you can apply to change your status to an F-1 student visa. To do this, you need to file [Form I-539](/immigration-resources/i-797-notice-of-action-forms-guide), "Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status," with USCIS. You can find this form on the USCIS website. Make sure to include all required supporting documents, including your Form I-20 and the receipt of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment.

Remember, it's crucial to apply for the change of status before your B-1/B-2 visa expires. If your visitor visa expires while your change of status application is pending, you may be required to leave the U.S. and apply for an F-1 visa from outside the country. Be sure to plan ahead and start this process as early as possible to avoid any complications.

Changing Visa Status: Applying Through Consular Processing

The second path to change your visa status from a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to an F-1 student visa is by applying for a student visa through consular processing from outside the United States. This section will guide you through this process.

Similar to the first path, you will need to obtain Form I-20 from your SEVP-certified university or language program. This form is proof that you have been accepted to a program of study in the U.S. Your school will send you the Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database.

Next, you need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. This is a mandatory fee for all F-1 visa applicants. You can pay this fee online on the SEVIS website. Don't forget to print the receipt of your payment, as you will need it for your visa application.

Once you have your Form I-20 and have paid the I-901 SEVIS fee, you can apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. To do this, you need to complete the online visa application, Form DS-160. After completing the form, print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

You will then need to schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The waiting time for an interview appointment can vary, so it's best to apply as early as possible. During your interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive an F-1 student visa.

Remember, applying through consular processing means you will need to leave the U.S. and apply from your home country. This path may be suitable for those whose visitor visa is about to expire, or for those who prefer to apply for a student visa from their home country. Be sure to plan ahead and start this process as early as possible to avoid any complications.

What to Do If the Visitor Visa Expires Before Receiving the Student Visa

In some cases, your B-1/B-2 visitor visa may expire before you receive your F-1 student visa. If this happens, don't panic. You have options.

One option is to request to extend your current B-1/B-2 status. To do this, you need to file another Form I-539, "Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status," with USCIS. You should file this form well before your current status expires. If approved, this will allow you to legally stay in the U.S. while your change of status application is pending.

Another option is to leave the U.S. and apply for a student visa through consular processing in your home country. As we discussed in the previous section, this involves obtaining Form I-20 from your SEVP-certified university or language program, paying the I-901 SEVIS fee, and applying for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Remember, it's crucial to maintain legal status in the U.S. at all times. If your visitor visa expires and you are in the U.S. without legal status, this could have serious consequences for your ability to remain in the U.S. or return in the future. Always consult with an immigration attorney or expert if you're unsure about your situation.

Want to switch from a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to an F-1 student visa in the U.S.? This guide outlines the steps and requirements. You need to be accepted by a U.S. school and meet all F-1 visa requirements. You can apply to USCIS to change your status while your visitor visa is valid, or apply for a student visa from outside the U.S. Both methods require Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school, paying the I-901 SEVIS fee, and submitting necessary forms and documents. It's important to maintain legal status and follow procedures to avoid issues.

Switching from B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa to F-1 Student Visa in the U.S.

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