URGENT - Changing Sponsor on I-539 (COS) PP after RFE

[bklynboundrik 2]

Hello everyone,

 

I am currently in a bit of a situation with my I-539 (B-2 to F-1) and would greatly appreciate your advice.

 

I submitted my I-539 with Premium Processing (I-907) listing my brother as my financial sponsor, but after receiving an RFE asking for more evidence on financial support, I realized that my brother (who studies in the US), would not have sufficient funds to sponsor both his own studies and mine. As a result, we've decided to change the sponsor to my father, who has adequate financial resources.

 

Here are my main questions:
1) Changing sponsors: How can this be done? Would I need to file a new I-539 with updated sponsor information? If so, how do I ensure that the new form is linked to the original one that has Premium Processing? In fact, will the Premium Processing still apply, or would I lose it and have to pay another (really expensive) fee?

2) Currency conversion in supporting documents: Does USCIS require currency conversions from foreign currencies to USD to be done professionally (e.g. as part of the translation or a separate certified document), or can I do the conversion myself while referencing the exchange rate source?

 

The deadline for my RFE is January 25, and my classes start on January 27, so timing is really critical here – it's crucial that I keep Premium Processing.

 

Thank you in advance!!

[SalishSea 18,019]

5 minutes ago, bklynboundrik said:

Hello everyone,

 

I am currently in a bit of a situation with my I-539 (B-2 to F-1) and would greatly appreciate your advice.

 

I submitted my I-539 with Premium Processing (I-907) listing my brother as my financial sponsor, but after receiving an RFE asking for more evidence on financial support, I realized that my brother (who studies in the US), would not have sufficient funds to sponsor both his own studies and mine. As a result, we've decided to change the sponsor to my father, who has adequate financial resources.

 

Here are my main questions:
1) Changing sponsors: How can this be done? Would I need to file a new I-539 with updated sponsor information? If so, how do I ensure that the new form is linked to the original one that has Premium Processing? In fact, will the Premium Processing still apply, or would I lose it and have to pay another (really expensive) fee?

2) Currency conversion in supporting documents: Does USCIS require currency conversions from foreign currencies to USD to be done professionally (e.g. as part of the translation or a separate certified document), or can I do the conversion myself while referencing the exchange rate source?

 

The deadline for my RFE is January 25, and my classes start on January 27, so timing is really critical here – it's crucial that I keep Premium Processing.

 

Thank you in advance!!

There is a premium processing option for that visa class?

 

There really is not sponsorship for F-1.  You need to show that you have adequate funds to pay for your education.

[bklynboundrik 2]

2 minutes ago, SalishSea said:

There is a premium processing option for that visa class?

 

There really is not sponsorship for F-1.  You need to show that you have adequate funds to pay for your education.

 

Yes there is premium processing (I do think it's new though). As for sponsorship the I-539 form asks to describe how I'm supporting myself; I listed my brother and included evidence of source and amount, as well as an affidavit of support he signed for my university. However, USCIS is asking me to submit Form I-134, which raises my question: can my father submit Form I-134, even though my I-539 application states that my brother has been providing my support so far?

[Boiler 45,852]

The RFE presumably was issued within 30 days so the premium processing aspect is complete.

 

There are published exchange rates so I assume that would also apply to F1. 

 

How you change the financial information, is that what the RFE is about?

 

Why did you not just apply for a visa?

[SalishSea 18,019]

Is your father a USC or LPR?

[bklynboundrik 2]

7 minutes ago, Boiler said:

The RFE presumably was issued within 30 days so the premium processing aspect is complete.

How come? I thought Premium Processing guaranteed a decision within 30 days. How would an initial action such as the RFE conclude something as expensive as PP?

 

7 minutes ago, Boiler said:

How you change the financial information, is that what the RFE is about?

 

Why did you not just apply for a visa?

Yes, the RFE specifically addresses the financial information. It specifically highlights "Affidavits of support from a sponsor (Form I-534)" as an example of financial assistance available for tuition and living expenses and says "if you have a sponsor, please have your sponsor submit a statement or affidavit of support specifying the intended type and amount of contributions they will make on your behalf, such as tuition and school expenses, room and board, etc."

 

I did not apply for a visa because I'm already in the US, and since my classes start in late January (I decided to transfer last month) it didn't make sense to leave just to get a visa and return right after.

[bklynboundrik 2]

6 minutes ago, SalishSea said:

Is your father a USC or LPR?

No he isn't, he lives in my home country with my mother – only my brother and I are currently in the US

[Boiler 45,852]

I assume they issued the RFE within 30 days

[Ontarkie 14,346]

~~Moved to Student Visas, from AOS from Work, Student & Tourist Visa- the OP is not Adjusting status but applying for a Student visa.~~

[appleblossom 2,881]

2 hours ago, bklynboundrik said:

How come? I thought Premium Processing guaranteed a decision within 30 days. 

It guarantees a response within 30 days, not a decision. Your PP time starts again once they receive the RFE response.
 

I think your chances of the F-1 being granted are fairly low from what you’ve said, but even if it is granted it’s not likely to be before 27th Jan now.  

[SalishSea 18,019]

3 hours ago, bklynboundrik said:

No he isn't, he lives in my home country with my mother – only my brother and I are currently in the US

Then he is not eligible to sponsor you via the I-134.  

[bklynboundrik 2]

19 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

It guarantees a response within 30 days, not a decision. Your PP time starts again once they receive the RFE response.
 

I think your chances of the F-1 being granted are fairly low from what you’ve said, but even if it is granted it’s not likely to be before 27th Jan now.  

Thank you for the clarification. Why is it that you think my chances are low? I have all qualifications and am bona fide, I don't see why this issue would be of such a great impact if I actually do have the funds lol.

[bklynboundrik 2]

6 minutes ago, SalishSea said:

Then he is not eligible to sponsor you via the I-134.  

Thank you for your reply. But are you sure? Form I-134, Part 3, Item 10 [Immigration Status] asks for the sponsor's current immigration status and provides an option to specify another status, assuming proper documentation is provided.

[SalishSea 18,019]

32 minutes ago, bklynboundrik said:

Thank you for your reply. But are you sure? Form I-134, Part 3, Item 10 [Immigration Status] asks for the sponsor's current immigration status and provides an option to specify another status, assuming proper documentation is provided.

Exactly.  Your father has no immigration status, correct?

[appleblossom 2,881]

1 hour ago, bklynboundrik said:

Thank you for the clarification. Why is it that you think my chances are low? I have all qualifications and am bona fide, I don't see why this issue would be of such a great impact if I actually do have the funds lol.

If you have ‘all qualifications’ then that makes it even less likely. Are you trying to do a masters? 
 

I just think that the fact that your brother is in the US, coupled with you trying to adjust status from a B visa (which presumably means you have limited ties to your home country - most people can’t just drop everything and decide to stay) means that they may think you won’t leave the US when your course is over. Add in Trump and his plans for student visas and I’m not terribly optimistic about your chances I’m afraid. But you never know, all you can do is apply and see what happens. 
 

Good luck.