Change of Visa Status from J-1 to Tourist (B-2) or Student (F-1) Visa

If you are currently in the U.S. on a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa and wish to stay longer, you may be eligible to change your visa status to either a B-2 Tourist Visa or an F-1 Student Visa. However, this process depends on your eligibility and whether you are subject to the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement (212(e)).

Who is Eligible to Change Status from a J-1 Visa?

- You must be in valid J-1 visa status at the time of filing.
- You must not be subject to the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement (212(e)), or you must obtain a waiver before applying for a status change.
- You must not have violated your current visa status or overstayed your permitted period of stay.
- You must apply for a change of status before your J-1 program end date listed on your DS-2019 form.

Changing from J-1 to B-2 Tourist Visa

If you need more time to explore the U.S. or prepare for another visa, you may request a B-2 Tourist Visa status. This option is ideal if:
- You need additional time before leaving the U.S.
- You want to explore educational or business opportunities before deciding on a long-term visa.
- You are awaiting a decision on another immigration option.

Steps to Change from J-1 to B-2 Tourist Visa:

- File Form I-539 – Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with USCIS.
- Pay the USCIS Filing Fee (currently $370, plus $85 biometrics fee).
- Submit Supporting Documents, including:

A letter explaining why you want to stay longer.
Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letter, etc.).
Copy of your DS-2019, J-1 visa, and I-94 record.

- Important Note: A B-2 visa does not allow you to study or work in the U.S. If you later decide to study, you must apply for an F-1 visa separately.

Changing from J-1 to F-1 Student Visa

If you wish to enroll in a full-time academic program at a U.S. school, you may apply to change your status to an F-1 Student Visa. This option is ideal if:
- You have been accepted into a SEVP-approved school.
- You can prove financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses.
- You meet all F-1 visa eligibility requirements.

Steps to Change from J-1 to F-1 Student Visa:

- Get Accepted into a U.S. School – Obtain an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) from a SEVP-approved institution.
- Pay the SEVIS Fee ($350) – This fee is required before filing for an F-1 visa.
- File Form I-539 – Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with USCIS.
- Pay the USCIS Filing Fee ($370, plus $85 biometrics fee).
- Submit Supporting Documents, including:

A letter explaining your intent to study in the U.S.
Copy of I-20 Form issued by your school.
Proof of financial ability (bank statements, sponsor letters, etc.).
Copy of DS-2019, J-1 visa, and I-94 record.

- Important Note: You must remain in the U.S. while your change of status is pending. If you leave, you may need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy abroad.

How We Can Help You

Navigating the change of status process can be complex. We provide expert guidance to help you successfully transition from a J-1 visa to a B-2 tourist visa or F-1 student visa.

Gathering Required Documents

We assist you in collecting all necessary documents, including:
- Acceptance letter from a U.S. school (for F-1 applications).
- I-20 Form from a SEVP-approved school (for F-1 applications).
- DS-2019, J-1 visa, and I-94 travel record.
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, affidavits, sponsor letters).
- Letter explaining your intent to change status.

Completing & Filing Forms

- Form I-539 – Change of status application.
- Form I-20 & SEVIS fee payment (for F-1 applications).
- Supporting documents to strengthen your case.
- Filing with USCIS and tracking your application status.

Following Up on Your Case

- We monitor USCIS updates and provide case status alerts.
- If USCIS requests additional evidence (RFE), we help you respond promptly.

📞 Contact us today to start your change of status process with confidence!