Overview

“Change of status” refers to a change from one nonimmigrant visa status to another.

An alien may apply for a change of status to any other nonimmigrant visa status except those admitted in the U.S. under the following nonimmigrant visas:

VWPP – Visa Waiver Pilot Program
D - as a crewman
C - as an alien in transit or in transit without visa
K - as a fiancé (e) of a U.S. citizen or dependent of fiancé (e) or spouse
S - as an informant (and accompanying family) on terrorism or organized crime

However, there are some nonimmigrant visas that do not allow transfer to another visa type. For instance, if you are currently on an M visa (vocational), you may not apply for a change to F visa (academic).

Likewise, if you are an international exchange visitor (J visa category) you may not change your nonimmigrant status if you were admitted to the United States to receive graduate medical training, unless you receive a special waiver.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a change of status:

• The alien must be lawfully admitted into the United States with a nonimmigrant visa;
• His nonimmigrant status remains valid;
• He has not committed any crimes that would make him ineligible