Change of Status
A non-immigrant to the U.S. generally has the ability to change their current immigrant category to another non-immigrant category as long as they have maintained their current immigration status and the immigration officer and/or consulate officer approves their request.
Changing your status is not a simple process. It requires either one of two processes. One, that the student travel outside of the U.S. to present the consular officer with appropriate documentation to request a visa for the new category and obtain admission at a U.S. Port of Entry. Two, a student who is NOT subject to the 2 Year Home Residency Requirement can file an application to change their immigrant status with Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) at the regional service center. However, the student will be required to obtain a new visa during the next travel outside of the U.S.
Students who are interested in changing their immigrant category should meet with an immigration advisor in International Services to discuss their situation and determine their options. In all cases, a person who is changing their status because their current immigrant category does not allow them to study in the U.S. will not be qualified to begin studying until the change of status has been approved.
Please refer to the change of status handout for more detailed information regarding the required documentation.