Change of status J1 to F1

[Jones! 0]

I want to change status from J1 to F1. My current status will expire in 1 month.

 

Can I send my file now and stay in the USA until a final decision from  USCIS?     What status will I have in that case?    Is it legal?     Can it influence the process? 

[Starkilla09 366]

First you must send your change of status form as soon as possible and make sure it is received by USCIS BEFORE your status expires. If received later than that it will be systematically denied because you must be in valid status to be able to change to another status. Once your change of status form is received by USCIS, you’ll be in “authorized stay” even after expiration of your current status while USCIS adjudicates it until it is adjudicated by USCIS months down the road. There’s no way you can influence the process, as it’s all dependent upon USCIS processing times for those paticular cases filed according to the processing center timeline. One thing you must know about change of status is that if denied you’ll start accumulating unlawful presence and must depart the U.S. immediately before you stay long enough acquire a 3 to 10 year bar. Again it will make it difficult for you to get a new visa overseas even if you leave promptly after the denial to seek one in your home country. A better option is always to go back home and seek a new visa, which should be easier to get provided you did not violate any terms and conditions on the current status you had before leaving the U.S. Either way change of status can still be done and approved though.

Edited March 7, 2018 by Starkilla09

[Coco8 1,042]

You have to talk to the international advisors at your university/college. They will have to give you an i-20. 
 

Also, in some cases, you CANNOT go from J1 to F1 within the US. You have to go your country of origin and apply for an F1 visa. 

 

 

[Jones! 0]

I want to change my status from J1 to F1. In the college, I must show the ability to pay for studies and my friend is ready to become my sponsor for this. What forms should we sign and fill out?

 

[Coco8 1,042]

You need to contact the international student office at your college. They need to give you an i-20 and explain the process. 

 

If your J1 has the 2 year residency requirement you cannot change status within the US. You have to go to the consulate in your home country to do it. 

 

I don't think your college will accept a "friend" to pay for everything. The "sponsor" has to be financial in that he/she will pay for tuition and living costs. 

 

 

[Ryan H 3,819]

~~~Similar topics merged.~~~