Imagine this: you arrived in the USA on a tourist visa for just 6 months, with the sole purpose of enjoying your time in this unique country and having a great experience with friends or family. But while you were here, you began to understand why the U.S. is often called the "land of opportunity." It's the perfect place for anyone considering a profession or career, as American education is among the best in the world.
It’s well-known that while you are in the U.S. on a tourist visa, you’re not allowed to enroll in courses or study at an American college. For that, you would need a student visa. But here’s the great news: you don’t necessarily have to leave the country and go through the consular process again! You can do this while remaining in the U.S., and today, we’ll share more about how this process works.
Important: This article is not legal advice and is for informational purposes only. Readers should not take any actions based on this article without first consulting with an attorney. Where to Start?
First and foremost, you need to ensure that you qualify for a change of status.
You must currently be in a non-immigrant status – most commonly this applies to tourists or exchange students who don’t require a waiver.
Certain non-immigrant statuses cannot be changed; consult with an attorney to confirm your eligibility.
You must not have any legal violations in the U.S.
You need a stable source of income, savings (from outside the U.S.), or a sponsor to cover your tuition.
Where Can You Study?
Next, you’ll need to find an educational institution or program (such as language courses, marketing courses, etc.). Not all courses will qualify—make sure to choose an accredited institution in the U.S. that is authorized to issue Form I-20. This form is a crucial part of your future application package. It serves as official confirmation of your admission to the program and contains information about you, your academic plan, and your financial ability to cover the costs for the specified period. The institution will send you the I-20 form right after you are enrolled in the program.
How to Apply for a Change of Status
As mentioned earlier in this article, you don’t need to leave the country. In fact, there’s more good news: you can apply for a change of status online through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. This option is ideal for solo applicants, as it is cheaper, faster, and more convenient than mailing paper forms. Additionally, applicants immediately receive confirmation of submission.
However, if you are in the U.S. with your family, you won’t be able to submit the application online. In this case, it’s best to consult an experienced immigration attorney to ensure a change of status for all family members.
If you wish to apply for student status online, you’ll need to start by creating an account on the USCIS website.
Your online application process for a change of status will look like this:
Select Form I-539 from the drop-down menu for completion;
Carefully review the instructions for the form. Begin filling it out, using the user-friendly interface and guidance provided;
At the end, attach the required supporting documents and photographs;
Review the form once more before signing;
Sign the form electronically;
Pay the application fee;
Submit the document package;
Receive your Receipt Notice as confirmation that your documents have been submitted and are under review.
When Will You Receive a Decision on Your Change of Status?
The processing of your documents can take anywhere from several months to a year. During this time, it’s crucial to maintain your current status, avoid working, and refrain from leaving the country.
At Bloomrich Law Firm, P.C., our team has created a Do It Yourself Guide for changing status from tourist to student, designed to make this process as clear and simple as possible for future students. This guide is unique and unlike anything else on the market.
You can reserve your copy now by emailing us at info@bloomrich.com to be the first to receive the guide once it launches, which will be very soon. Remember, the change of status is a time-sensitive process, and any delay could negatively impact your case.
If you're unsure whether you qualify for a change of status, or if you are in the U.S. with your family, book a free 15-minute introductory call with a case manager. Approach this matter responsibly. Trust the professionals!
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