If you arrived in the USA on a tourist visa or a J-1 visa and your stay is nearing its end, you might be wondering how to extend your time in the country. You may want to dive deeper into the culture, unlock your potential, and expand your opportunities. It’s well-known that studying in the USA, whether through language courses, professional programs, or undergraduate/graduate degrees, can open new doors both within the country and globally. Discover more about changing your status to F-1 (student status) without leaving the country in this article.
Why Change Your Status to Student?
An F-1 student visa allows you to enroll in American colleges and universities renowned for their high-quality education and globally recognized degrees. This status opens doors to in-depth knowledge and skills across various fields, creating a strong foundation for your future career. Living and studying in the USA promotes personal growth, enhancing your communication skills, fostering independence, and immersing you in a diverse cultural environment. This experience will broaden your horizons and prepare you to work anywhere in the world.
Some programs also offer unique opportunities to gain professional experience in the USA. Depending on the program you choose, you may have access to the following opportunities:
On-campus work: As a student at an American university, you can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT): These programs allow you to gain valuable work experience related to your field of study. Specialized courses that meet the requirements for OPT or CPT provide this opportunity.
Processing Time and Application Deadlines
The process of applying for a change of status can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months, depending on USCIS workload. If expedited processing is needed, you can opt for the Premium Processing Service.
To ensure a smooth transition from tourist status to student status, it is recommended to begin the change of status process 60-90 days before your legal stay expires. This ensures compliance with deadlines and helps save costs. For instance, our company typically does not take cases with less than one month left before legal stay expiration. However, we can still consider your case under expedited legal services, which may involve additional fees.
Family Accommodation
When applying for a change of status, you can include your spouse and children so they can also obtain F-2 status. This allows your family members to legally remain in the USA with you.
Limitations on Change of Status
It's important to note that some visa statuses cannot be changed to F-1 student status. These include K, C, D, S, M-1, and in some cases J-1 and Visa Waiver Program participants.
For more detailed information and recommendations, download our comprehensive guide on changing your status from tourist to student in the USA using the link below:
Written by Lada Evdokushina
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