Ultimate Guide | Change Your Status from B2 to F1

Section 1 What is B2 and F1 Visa
Section 2 Why Change from B2 to F1
Section 3 Requirements for Changing B2 Status
Section 4 How to Change Status from B2 to F1
Section 5 Potential Risks and Solutions
Section 6 FAQs

Section 1 What is B2 and F1 Visa

B2 Visa

The B2 visa is issued to foreign nationals visiting the U.S. temporarily for leisure, tourism, or medical treatment. One of the benefits of the B2 visa is its validity period of up to 10 years. This extended validity allows for multiple entries into the U.S.; however, the actual duration of each visit is typically up to 6 months.

Notably, B2 visa holders are not permitted to work or study during their stay.

F1 Visa

The F1 visa is issued to international students studying at various levels of educational institutions in the U.S. As an F1 student, you can stay in the U.S. for the entire duration of your academic program. You could also be eligible for work opportunities upon receiving work authorizations such as OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training).

Therefore, becoming an F1 student will help you open up for more educational and professional opportunities.

B2 vs. F1

Duration of Stay

Up to 6 months for each visit

Master’s degree: 1-2.5 years
Doctoral degree: 3-6 years

Study Permit

Work Permit

CPT and OPT

Immigration Intent

Reasons for changing from B2 to F1

Short stay duration during visit, wanting to legally remain in the U.S. for a longer period without leaving.
After entering the U.S., got admitted to a school of interest, does not want to depart and re-enter on a student visa.
Changed to B2 status after H1B layoff but couldn't find new job before B2 expired, so needed to extend status.
For personal reasons, unable to attend visa interview to obtain a student visa, so entered on B visa then changed status to F-1 student.

Eligibility:

You lawfully entered the U.S. in a nonimmigrant status.
You maintain your current nonimmigrant status valid.
You complied with the conditions of your status without violations.

Note: On a B2 visa, you are prohibited to engage in any types of employment. Short-term study may be allowed, but it cannot be converted into any credits.

You have a clean record, without having committed any crimes or engaged in activities that would disqualify you from a status change.

Step 1 Apply for a school and get admission

Apply to and be accepted by a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school and a program that fits your career goals.

Note: Most universities offer only two enrollment periods: Spring and Fall. Some schools, such as “Day 1 CPT schools” , can offer 4 to 6 enrollment windows throughout the year.

Step 2 Get the I-20 document

Obtain an I-20 form from the SEVP-certified school. The Designated School Official (DSO) will provide the I-20 with a change of status in the “Issue Reason” section.

Step 3 Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee

I-901 SEVIS Fee F or M visa applicants is $350.

Step 4 Write your explanation letter

Write a letter explaining why you wish to change your status from H1B to F1. In this letter, you must elaborate on the circumstances that led to your decision to study in the U.S. after your arrival.

Not sure how to write your explanation letter? Let an experienced visa expert help you!

Step 5 Fill in I-539 form and submit

Submit a I-539 form (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and other required documents to the USCIS, along with an explanation letter describing your reason for change of status.

Pay the $420 online filing fee or $470 paper filing fee to the Department of Homeland Security.

Note: Application for F1 allows for premium processing, which requires you to submit an I-903 form (Premium Processing Service) and pay a fee of $1,965. You must submit an I-539 form first and then file an I-903 form separately. Also, the two forms must be submitted in the same format (online or mail). You can’t file one form online and another by mail.

Step 6 Wait for USCIS decision and start the class

Receive USCIS Decision

Approval: Enroll and begin studies
Request for Evidence (RFE): Provide additional info
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): Respond to concerns
Denial: Consider other options or refile

Enroll in school and start the class if application being approved:

Pay the tuition and start attending the class

Required Documents for Changing from B2 to F1

Copy of the I-20 form with your signature on the Student Attestation section. This form is issued by the school you’ve been accepted into and indicates the duration of your program and the department in which you’ll be enrolled.
The completed Form I-539 for the application to extend/change nonimmigrant status, together with a filing fee ($420 for online filing; $470 for paper filing).
An explanation letter that presents compelling reasons for changing your purpose from visiting to studying.
Receipt of the I-901 SEVIS fee, which is $350.
A financial statement demonstrating that you will be able to financially support your studies throughout the duration of your studies.
Copies of passport and visa.
Copy of Form I94, which indicates your arrival in and intended departure from the US.
Proof of your intention to leave the U.S. after the completion of your studies.

* Beginning Oct. 1, 2023, the $85 biometric fee is no longer required.

When to Start Changing from B2 to F1 Status

To change your B2 to F1 status, you should start the process after being in the U.S. for at least 90 days on your current visa and before your current status expires.

It's important to apply for the change of status before your program starts, as you cannot enroll in classes or begin studying on a B1/B2 visa until USCIS approves your change to F-1 status.

Make sure to allow enough time for school admission (4-5 weeks) and USCIS to process your application (3-8 months).

If you haven't heard from USCIS at least 15 days before your program's start date, contact the Designated School Official (DSO) at your school to change the enrollment date.

Processing Time

The processing time typically ranges from 3 to 8 months, depending on individual situations. See the timeline in detail here.

It is highly recommended to collaborate with your school’s DSOs and immigration attorney when deciding your change of status application timeline.

Premium processing is available for changing from B2 to F1. It guarantees responses from the USCIS within 30 calendar days once all required materials are submitted.

If you file your petition for change of status as your B2 status is about to expire, or as the start date of your program is approaching, you can consider using premium processing to expedite the pending process.

School Options for Changing to F1

If you seek to change status from B2 to F1, below are three primary types of schools available to you:

Traditional Graduate-Level Program: These programs offer extensive academic training and necessitate a significant course load, requiring a considerable investment of time and energy.

Day 1 CPT Programs: Certain schools that emphasize practical work experience can provide CPT authorization from the first day of enrollment. Such schools are commonly referred to as Day 1 CPT schools. Day 1 CPT programs focus on integrating academic knowledge with industry experience, making them ideal for individuals with prior work experience.

English Language Programs: Some educational institutions provide comprehensive English language programs designed for international students seeking to enhance their English skills before embarking on a degree program. These programs may also be a viable option for B2 visa holders looking into change of status.

While all options are viable, Day 1 CPT universities stand out as the most attractive choice for those changing from a B-2 visa to an F-1 visa.

Day 1 CPT programs offer several advantages that make them an excellent choice for international students:

Affordable Tuition: These programs typically have lower tuition fees compared to traditional degree programs, making them a cost-effective option.
Flexibility: Many Day 1 CPT schools have multiple enrollment windows throughout the year, allowing for a quicker transition from a B-2 to an F-1 visa.
Streamlined Admission Process: The admission process for Day 1 CPT programs is often more straightforward and quicker than traditional degree programs, enabling you to obtain the required documentation for your F-1 visa application faster.
Lower Course Load: Day 1 CPT programs generally have a lighter course load compared to traditional master's programs, allowing you to balance your studies with practical training or other commitments.
Legitimacy: Day 1 CPT programs are recognized by the USCIS as a legitimate path to F-1 status, reducing the likelihood of your intent being questioned during future green card or visa change processes.
Practical Training: These programs allow international students to engage in practical training related to their field of study, providing valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to gain income while studying.

By choosing a Day 1 CPT university, you can maintain legal status in the United States while gaining practical experience in your field of study. The combination of affordable tuition, flexibility, and a streamlined admission process makes Day 1 CPT programs an excellent choice for those transitioning from a B-2 visa to an F-1 student visa.

Filing Online or by Mail

You can either file online by mail when change your status from B2 to F1, but is advisable to submit your application for status change online to minimize possible errors in the mailing process.

You can choose to file your application by mail if your dependents also need a change of status, as this approach allows for co-applicants. While this approach enables you to pay a single filing fee for the entire application package, it may subject your case to additional scrutiny regarding immigrant intent.

Instruction for Filing by Mail

If you live in: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Micronesia, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, US Virgin Islands, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, mail it to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox.

If you live in any other state, mail it to the USCIS Elgin Lockbox.

Mailing Address:

USCIS Dallas Lockbox

Mailing via USPS:

USCIS, Attn: I-539, P.O. Box 660166, Dallas, TX 75266-0166

Mailing via FedEx, UPS, and DHL:

USCIS, Attn: I-539 (Box 660166), 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business, Suite 400, Lewisville, TX 75067-8003

USCIS Elgin Lockbox

Mailing via USPS:

USCIS, Attn: I-539, P.O. Box 4010, Carol Stream, IL 60197-4010

Mailing via FedEx, UPS, and DHL:

USCIS, Attn: I-539 (Box 4010), 2500 Westfield Drive, Elgin, IL 60124-7836

Risk 1: Concerns about Intent of Study

The transition from B2 to F1 status entails potential risks, as you will need to prove that you do not have any “preconceived intent of study” in the U.S. when entering the country.

A lack of “preconceived intent of study” means that you did not intend to pursue studies in the U.S. when you arrived on a B2 visa. If it seems you intended to pursue education when entering the country, then USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) would question why you applied for a B2 visa rather than an F1 visa from the start.

Solution 1: Applying for a B2 Prospective Student Visa

If you intend to study in the U.S. before arriving in the country, you can apply for a B2 prospective student visa. Consular officers are authorized to write “prospective student” on a B2 visa issued to individuals who:

Intend to study at a U.S. educational institution and wish to visit schools to decide where to apply.
Need to attend an academic interview or entrance exam in the U.S.
Have a sufficient reason to enter the U.S. 30 days before their academic program start dates.

If you already entered the U.S. without a B2 prospective student visa, you would need to consider another solution.

Solution 2: Carefully Crafting an Explanation Letter

To address any concerns about your intentions, your application for a status change must clearly explain about the circumstances that motivated you to decide on pursuing education in the U.S. after your arrival.

In your explanation letter for the change of status, you will need to address the following questions:

What reason did you give the consular officer for your visit to the U.S.?
What reason did you give the immigration officer at the U.S. entry point regarding your visit?
How did you arrive at your decision to pursue studies in the U.S.?
When did you initially reach out to the University, and when were you informed of your admission?
If attending school was your intention before coming to the U.S., why did you not apply for an F1 student visa instead of a B2 visitor visa?
Do you have any family members in the U.S., and if so, what types of visa are they holding?

Consult an experienced visa expert in drafting application materials.

#faqs

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Question? We are here to help

Can I Study or Work While My Change of Status Application is Pending?

No, you are not allowed to study or work when your application is pending. During your pending period, you are permitted to stay in the U.S. and wait for the result. However, engaging in studies and employment is prohibited.

How Much is the Cost for Changing Status from B2 to F1?

I-539 (Application to Change of Status) Fee: $420 (online); $470 (paper)

SEVIS Fee: $350

University Application Fee: $50-200

Attorney Fee: $200-300 per hour; usually 3-8 hours depending on the case

Will Change of Status have any impact on my future green card application?

If you are able to provide convincing reasons for your status change, it will not affect your future immigration applications. With the assistance from an experienced visa expert and immigration attorney, you can present a more compelling explanation letter to USCIS, which will increase your chance for application approval.

Talk to a visa expert for free!

Change Your Status from B2 to F1

What is B2 and F1 Visa

B2 Visa

F1 Visa

Read More About B Visitor Visa

Why Change from B2 to F1?

Read More About Changing from B2 to F1

Requirements for Changing B2 Status

Read More About B Visitor Visa

How to Change Status from B2 to F1

6 Steps to change from B2 to F1