Published: February 5, 2022
Changing a nonimmigrant status may create significant legal implications. By switching the category of their immigration status, applicants may acquire different privileges. For example, a tourist visa holder may not attend university in the United States without a student visa. More so, the USCIS may require different documents and processes to change every nonimmigrant status.
Eligibility for Change
Applicants must have been lawfully admitted to the United States with a nonimmigrant visa. In addition to this general condition, they should also comply with the following:
• maintain a valid nonimmigrant status during their stay within the country
• have not violated any visa conditions
• have not committed any crimes that will render them ineligible
Please note that other conditions may exist for specific visa types.
USCIS Approval
Refrain from changing your activity in the United States before receiving official notice of approval from the USCIS. Changing your activity while your application for a change of non-immigrant status is still pending may cause legal issues. As a result, immigration authorities may impose sanctions as bad as deportation.
No Need for Change of Status
The following visa holders, including their spouse and children, may attend school in the United States without changing their status:
• Diplomatic agents, government officials, and other employees
• International trade and investors
• Representatives to international organizations and their employees
• Temporary workers
• Representatives of foreign media
• Exchange visitors
• Intracompany transferees
• Academic or vocational students (for elementary, middle or high school only)
Hassle-Free Change of Status
ALG Lawyers is here to help change your nonimmigrant status. Our Los Angeles immigration lawyers can help simplify all the processes and guide you through every important decision. Our responsive and resourceful team will attend to your every need. Leave all your immigration-related worries to us!
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)