Change of Status and Bridge Status

[SARAGA 0]

Do I need to apply for a "Bridge Status" while I am waiting for an answer from USCIS?

I am changing my status from J-1 to F-1 but I do not have any answer yet and the procesing times indicate that I need to wait at least 3 more months.. My current status expires in One and a half months. Should I apply for a "bridge status"? How does it work?

[aaron2020 11,651]

There is no such thing as "bridge status."  You will be out of status.  This will make you ineligible to change status to F1.

This is why we tell everyone who considers changing to F1 status to go home and apply for an F1 visa at the US Embassy/Consulate.  

[SARAGA 0]

This is what the USCIS website says

[aaron2020 11,651]

27 minutes ago, SARAGA said:

This is what the USCIS website says

Notice that part where it says "you must find a way to obtain status all the way up to the date that is 30 days before your program start date."

How are you planning to do that?  This is the problem with the law.  It's still up to you to have a legal way to stay here.  It doesn't provide you a way. 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

1 hour ago, aaron2020 said:

Notice that part where it says "you must find a way to obtain status all the way up to the date that is 30 days before your program start date."

How are you planning to do that?  This is the problem with the law.  It's still up to you to have a legal way to stay here.  It doesn't provide you a way. 

Exactly. It says file another i539 to “extend or change” current status. Not sure if OP can extend J status, I am presuming  not, and don’t see how they can change it to B as will be unable to provide the required evidence of when they will leave the US at the end of the “B extension”. 

[Coco8 1,042]

Why don't you go to Colombia? It's close enough. It's very risky and when is the program you need the F1 supposed to start? The fact that you have to wait 3 months does not mean the F1 will begin immediately. The F1 will begin when your academic program begins and, if you are in a regular type of university/college, I doubt your classes are starting in the summer. F1 only allows you to be in the US 2 weeks before classes begin.

 

Changes in status within the US like this take a very long time and you might end up overstaying. And they can deny it so you'll have to leave. 

Edited February 14, 2021 by Coco8

[SARAGA 0]

My classes will start for Summer term (May). My concern is if that new I-539 (B2) form will override my prior I-539 (F1)?