Change of Status

Overview

A change of status lets you switch from one nonimmigrant category to another without leaving the United States. If you came as a visitor and now want to study, or your plans changed after you arrived, you may be able to ask USCIS to change your status instead of going home and applying for a new visa abroad. For B-1, B-2, F-1 and J-1 changes of status, the request is generally filed on Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

A few general rules apply to almost every case. You usually must have been lawfully admitted, still be in valid status, and file before the date on your I-94 record expires. You should not violate your current status while the application is pending, and leaving the U.S. while it is pending generally means USCIS treats the application as abandoned. Some people cannot change status inside the U.S. at all, including those admitted under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), people in C, D or K status, and certain J-1 holders subject to the two-year home residency requirement.

An approved change of status changes your status in the U.S., but it does not give you a new visa stamp. If you travel abroad later, you generally need to get the matching visa at a U.S. consulate before you return.

Who this is for

• You are in the U.S. as a visitor and have been accepted to a U.S. school (change to F-1 student status)
• You came as a tourist but now need to handle business meetings, negotiations or conferences (change to B-1)
• You are in business or another status and want more time for tourism, family visits or medical treatment (change to B-2)
• You have been invited to a research, teaching or training exchange program sponsored in the U.S. (change to J-1)
• Your plans changed after arrival and your I-94 has not expired yet

How it works

1. 1

   Check whether you can change status

   We review how you entered, your current status, your I-94 date and your new plans to see whether a change of status from inside the U.S. is generally available to you.

2. 2

   Gather the supporting documents

   Depending on the new category, this may include an I-20, a DS-2019, the SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, financial evidence and a statement explaining why your plans changed. We give you a clear checklist and organize what you send us.

3. 3

   Prepare Form I-539

   We prepare Form I-539 and any I-539A forms for family members, making sure the dates and details match your documents.

4. 4

   Review the package with you

   Before anything is filed, we go through the full package with you so you can confirm every answer and document.

5. 5

   File with USCIS before your I-94 expires

   The application is filed with USCIS while you are still in valid status. USCIS may ask for biometrics or additional evidence, and we keep you updated at each stage.

Choose your application

Documents you'll usually need

• Form I-539 (and Form I-539A for a spouse or children, if included)
• Copy of your passport and current U.S. visa
• Your most recent I-94 arrival/departure record
• Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, if changing to F-1 or J-1
• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt, if changing to F-1 or J-1
• Proof of financial support for your intended stay
• A written statement explaining why you are requesting the change

Timing

Timing matters in every change of status. You generally need to file before your I-94 expires, and if your new status is tied to a school or program start date, it helps to plan backward from that date. Processing times and filing fees change regularly, so check the current processing times and fees that USCIS publishes on uscis.gov before you file.

Frequently asked questions

This page is general information about how these applications usually work, not advice for your specific case. USCIS rules, forms and fees change; check uscis.gov for the latest.