When you enter the United States on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or an F-1/F-2 student visa, your declared intent must be temporary. These visas require nonimmigrant intent, meaning you should not have plans to stay permanently, apply for a green card, or immigrate at the moment you enter. If an officer believes you had immigrant intent at entry, it can jeopardize your visa, your credibility, and future immigration benefits.

But life happens. Relationships form, political conditions change, danger at home escalates, or opportunities arise. These new circumstances may allow you to pursue adjustment of status later — as long as your intent at the time of entry was genuine and appropriate for your visa category.

Intent isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about being honest at the border. USCIS and consular officers look at your mindset at the moment you entered the country.

Tourist and student visas require nonimmigrant intent. Changing circumstances may allow later adjustments of status, but your intent at entry must match your visa type.

#VisaLaw #Intent #ImmigrationLaw #TouristVisa #StudentVisa #AdjustmentOfStatus

Attorney Advertisement Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and requirements may change. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. This communication may be considered attorney advertising.