Change of Status

In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were lawfully admitted into the United States with a nonimmigrant visa, your nonimmigrant status remains valid, and you have not committed any crimes that would make you ineligible.

You may not apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were admitted to the United States in the following visa categories:

• Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
• C - Alien in Transit or without a visa
• D - A crewman
• K - Fiancee of U.S. citizen
• S - An informant
• If you are on an M visa, you may not change to an F or H status.

If you were admitted on a J visa for graduate medical training you cannot apply for a change of status unless you receive a special waiver.

Please note, you must apply to change your nonimmigrant category before you current nonimmigrant status expires. Also, do not start new employment without first being approved for your change of status. The date your status expires can be found in the lower right-hand corner of your Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record). You should have received a Form I-94 when you legally entered the United States.

USCIS is more likely to change your status if you are in status with your current visa.