Change of Status:
If the purpose of your visit to the United States has changed, you must file an application for a change of nonimmigrant status. However, you must meet several requirements.
Find out more at
Adjusting your status is not the same as changing your status:
When they refer to a change of status, they are referring to a change from a nonimmigrant visa to a different nonimmigrant visa. When they refer to adjustment of status, they are referring to the process of acquiring permanent resident status through an immigrant visa.
Change of Estaus
What is change of status?
Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to remain in the United States for a limited period of time. The duration of these visas depends on the specific purpose of the alien's entry into the country. There are more than forty categories of nonimmigrant visas.
Each category specifies the requirements that the foreigner must meet for admission according to his or her particular purpose. Thus, for those who come to visit, there are tourist visas (B-2); for those who come to study, student visas (F-1, M-1, J-1); for those who come to do short business, trader or investor visas (E-1, E-2).
Requirements
Requirements to be fulfilled to request a change of status:
- Hold a visa that allows the option of a change of status.
- Be in the United States legally with a valid visa.
- Fulfill all the conditions of your particular visa
- Apply for a change of status before the expiration of your status.
- Have a passport that remains valid for the duration of the stay under the new status
Processing times for these and other immigration applications can be somewhat slow. The Immigration Service (USCIS) recommends filing the change of status application no later than 45 days prior to the expiration of the visa.
Important
Disclaimer:
The information provided is of a general nature and does not constitute or purport to be legal advice.
This content is for informational purposes and can be found on the official pages of the U.S. immigration authorities.
English 
Spanish