Changing status from J1 to F1

[SARAGA 0]

Hi. I'm in the process to change my status from J1 to F1. I will have a USC sponsor but I am going to live in other house with her relative (daughter who lives with kids and husband). Does that situation make the relative another sponsor? We are filling the I-134 form and we do not know how to explain it.

 

Thank you

 

 

[Coco8 1,042]

What level of education is this?

[SARAGA 0]

Master's program

[Coco8 1,042]

You can live wherever you want. You don't have to live with your sponsor. Is that your question?

 

The sponsor is someone who is paying or helping you pay for your stuff. I don't think staying over at someone else's house makes them your sponsor necessarily; you might buy food and things and they are relatives. 

 

Edited November 20, 2020 by Coco8

[SARAGA 0]

Yes, but If I am living with other USC and she is providing room and board so does it make her other sponsor? Thanks

[Coco8 1,042]

If the other person is not giving you money any more, then they are not a sponsor now. See this:

 

Financial Sponsor - The individual, government, company or agency who is willing and able to financially support the international student. Financial support includes tuition, books, supplies, fees and living expenses for the duration of studies at the institution. More than one (1) sponsor per student is allowed.

 

Is the person you were staying with before providing any financial support? If not, you can change the sponsor to the new person. Or you can have both of them.

[SARAGA 0]

Thank you! And other question is about the school. Does the sponsor HAVE to pay it directly? or Does she can give me the money and I pay it or it does not matter.

 

[Boiler 45,411]

Does not matter.

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

Please also ensure you understand the difficulties associated with change of status to F1 in the US, especially as it relates to the uncertain amount of time (usually between 4 and 6 months) to change status, and the complications that can lead to given the window of time around your course start date you are allowed to be in F1 status for. It is generally more recommended to go home and apply for an F1 there, of course for many people right now that is problematic.  Is your proposed masters a spring or fall start? 

[Boiler 45,411]

Does beg the question how mnuch longer you have on the J.