Change Non-Immigrant Status (Change your Visa)

It is extremely important that if you decide to change the purpose of your stay in the United States after you have been admitted, that you apply for a change of non-immigrant status with the United States Customs and Immigration Services.

For example, if you entered as a visitor for pleasure and while here decide that you wish to study in the United States, you must change your visa to a student visa prior to starting your studies. Violating your visa conditions may be grounds for removal (deportation) and may bar you from returning to the United States.

Generally, you may apply for a change of nonimmigrant status if you are present in the United States under a visa that allows you to change status, have not violated your visa conditions, your nonimmigrant status remains valid (you did not overstay your visa) and you did not commit any crimes that would make you ineligible.

The requirements and regulations for each specific visa varies, and your ability to request a specific visa also varies depending on what kind of status of currently hold. For example, exchange visitors (J-1) that were admitted to receive graduate medical training may not change their nonimmigrant status unless they obtain a special waiver. Vocational students may not change their M-1 visas for a student F-1 visa.

For help changing your non-immigrant status call our offices to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Our extensive experience in Immigration law guarantees that your best interest will be looked after and that you do not in inadvertently hurt your chances of staying in the United States.