Can I switch from a tourist visa to a student visa while in the U.S.? Hey, I’m from China and I’m visiting the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa. If I get accepted into a college here, can I change my status to an F-1 student visa without leaving the country?

Question

Kabelo Ramotshabi · Accepted Answer

I wouldn’t recommend changing status inside the U.S. It’s usually faster and cleaner to return to China, apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. embassy, and then come back. That way, you get a visa stamp and avoid complications with future travel or renewals.

Ilkin Mammadov · Answer

Yes, it’s possible to apply for a change of status from B-2 to F-1, but the process is slow and can take several months. During that time, you can’t start school until it's approved. Many schools won’t issue an I-20 unless your change of status is approved first, so check with your school.

Wren Patel · Answer

Yes, you can apply to change from a B-2 tourist visa to an F-1 student visa while in the U.S. However, you must not begin studying until your change of status is approved by USCIS.

Baozhai Wenqian

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