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Change of Status from Tourist to Student in the U.S.

Change of Status from Tourist to Student in the U.S.

  • TotalVisa
  • 1 October, 2024

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If you arrived in the United States with a tourist visa (B1/B2) and have now decided to study in the country, one of your options is to change your status to a student visa (F-1). This transition can offer you various opportunities, but it is crucial to understand why and how to do it correctly.

Why is the change of status important?

  • Legality and Compliance with Regulations: Changing your status ensures that you remain in the U.S. legally while pursuing your studies. If you decide to study without making this change, you would be violating the terms of your tourist visa, which could lead to legal issues and affect future visa applications.
  • Access to Student Benefits: Once you obtain F-1 status, you can access international student benefits, such as working on campus, participating in work-study programs, and eventually applying for OPT (Optional Practical Training), which allows you to work in the U.S. after graduation.
  • Peace of Mind and Flexibility: By having student status, you can focus on your studies without the concern of having to leave and re-enter the country. Additionally, you can request visa extensions depending on the length of your academic program.

Benefits of Changing Status from Tourist to Student:

  • Allows you to study legally: A tourist visa does not permit enrollment in long-term academic programs, whereas F-1 status enables you to study full-time.

  • Opportunity to work on campus: F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic period.

  • Post-graduation employment opportunities: With a student visa, you may qualify for programs like OPT, which allow you to work in your field of study after graduation.

Important Considerations:

  • Processing Time: The process to change status can take several months, so it is advisable to plan ahead.
  • I-539 Application: To change your status, you will need to submit Form I-539 to USCIS, and you cannot begin studying until the change is approved.
  • Continuous Legal Stay: You cannot travel outside the U.S. while your status change request is pending, as this would void the process.

For more information on the requirements and steps to change your status, visit the official USCIS website or consult with immigration experts. Doing the process correctly will allow you to make the most of your educational experience in the United States.
Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your academic future with TOTALVISA!

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Anthony Artica

A lawyer graduated from Ricardo Palma University in Peru and registered with the Lima Norte Bar Association. In addition, he is a certified real estate agent from the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism at Ricardo Palma University, registered with the Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Sanitation of Peru, and a special associate of the Peruvian Association of Real Estate Agents (ASPAI).

He has experience in Immigration Law abroad as a level 2 volunteer, under the supervision of a qualified and licensed attorney from the organization NOMAS (No More A Stranger Foundation). His extensive experience as a participant in Work and Travel (J1), academic student (F1), and now in the process of obtaining U.S. residency through the EB-3 visa has given him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants. This has motivated him to create TOTALVISA Consulting LLC, a safe space dedicated to providing support and guidance to immigrants seeking to maintain legal status in the United States.

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Alexandra Bocanegra

A Translation and Interpretation student at Ricardo Palma University, with solid experience in customer service across various sectors, which has allowed her to develop communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective and empathetic handling of complex situations.

She was a participant in the Work and Travel program with a J1 visa in the United States, an experience that provided her with a unique perspective on the immigration process and cultural adaptation in a new country. This personal experience has inspired her to combine her passion for languages with her interest in providing support to the migrant community.

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Andrea Bocanegra

A graduate in Communication Sciences from the National University Federico Villarreal, with experience in audiovisual production in both the public and private sectors. She has written scripts, coordinated recordings, and directed institutional videos for social media and for the internal audience of her clients. 

She was a participant in the Work and Travel program with a J1 visa, which allowed her to firsthand experience the immigration journey in the United States. This has motivated her to contribute to the migrant community, using her communication knowledge to assist those seeking to settle in a new country.

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Katherin Carrasco

A Communication professional with 3 years of experience in developing strategies and graphic materials for internal communication, ensuring consistency with corporate identity. She has successfully coordinated internal and external events, including meetings, training sessions, and team-building activities, contributing to strengthening organizational culture and teamwork.

She has participated in the Work and Travel program with a J1 visa twice: first in California and then in New Mexico. These international experiences have allowed her to understand the challenges and needs of migrants, which has inspired her to become involved in supporting the migrant community. Her focus is on providing strategic communicative assistance to those seeking to settle in new environments, helping them adapt and thrive through clear and effective information.