FAQ: How Can I Change My J1 Visa To F1?

You have a choice of doing so by either traveling home and applying for the F-1 visa at your local U.S. consulate or by submitting an I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Each procedure has its advantages and drawbacks.

How long does it take to change status from J-1 to F-1?

Change of status applications can take 6-12 months and the applicant must maintain an appropriate legal status that would permit university studies throughout the application process.

How can I change my J-1 visa status?

To change your status to J-1 student status while remaining in the U.S., you must submit an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process may take 3-6 months or longer, so plan accordingly. ISPO recommends that you start this process at least 6 months before your current status expires.

How do I change from F-1 to J-1?

If you are a graduate on F1 OPT visa looking to become a J1 intern:

1. You must leave the U.S. and pursue a post-secondary education degree.
2. Then, you can apply for a J1 Intern Visa within 12 months of finishing your studies at that institution.

Is F-1 visa better than J-1?

For this, the F-1 visa is usually the better option, as it allows you to work off campus in your field and even allows you to work for one to two years after your studies are over. In contrast, the J-1 only allows you to work on campus.

Can a b1 visa be changed to F-1 visa?

If you are in the United States as a tourist (on a B-2 visitor visa), it is possible to change your status to F-1 student, by submitting a request to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, getting this request approved is anything but guaranteed.

How do I get F-1 status in USA?

You may enter in the F-1 or M-1 visa category provided you meet the following criteria:

1. You must be enrolled in an “academic” educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
2. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

How can I stay in US after J1 visa expires?

If your J1 visa has expired, you will be required to return to your home country for at least two years before being allowed to apply for any additional visas. This is not always possible and can sometimes simply be impractical. If this is the case, you can apply for a J1 visa waiver which will waive this requirement.

Can I change my J1 visa sponsor?

Individuals who are in the US in J-1 status may transfer to another institution in the US to continue their J-1 program. There is no limit on the amount of times one can transfer, but each time such a transfer has to be approved by the current J-1 program sponsor.

Can I change my J1 visa to b2?

In order to change your J-1 status to B-1 or B-2 status (Visitor for Business or Pleasure), you have to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and submit all necessary documents.

Can I get another J-1 visa if I’m still under the two year rule requirement from the first one?

When U.S. immigration law allows J-1 visa holders to continue on and apply for another status in the U.S. regardless of the two-year home residencey requirement.

How do I change my immigration status?

If you want to change your status while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires.

How can I change my F-1 visa to green card?

7 Ways F1 Students Can Get a Green Card

1. Receive Employer Sponsorship.
2. Marry a US Citizen.
3. Seek Asylum.
4. Win the Green Card Lottery.
5. Receive Sponsorship by a Relative Who Owns a Business.
6. Participate in Military Service.
7. Receive Parent or Child Sponsorship.
8. Right to Permanent Residency.

Can F-1 student apply for J1 visa?

J-1 Two Year Home Country Residence Requirement The two-year requirement does not apply to individuals with F-1 status. This requirement basically requires that students who meet its criteria must reside for an aggregate of two-years in their home country before they are eligible for any additional statuses.

Can student J-1 visa work off campus?

A J-1 student may be authorized to work off-campus if “serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstances” have arisen since acquiring J-1 status. As a J-1 student, you may not be employed for more than a total of 20 hours per week for both on-campus and off-campus locations during the academic year.

Can you apply for a green card while on a J1 visa?

Yes, transitioning from a J1 visa to green card status is possible, but not all J1 visa holders will be eligible for a green card. Also, to obtain a J1 visa you must prove that you have close ties to your home country and that you plan on returning there after your J1 visa expires.