Many people come to the United States as tourists (B-2) and later decide they want to study here. In many cases, it’s possible to apply for a change of status to F-1 without leaving the country — but the process has to be done carefully.

The first key step is obtaining an I-20 form from a SEVP-certified school or university. Make sure every detail on your I-20 is correct — your name, date of birth, program information, start date, and financial details must all match your passport and your plans.

Next, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Do not assume it went through — save the receipt and confirm payment, because if the SEVIS fee is not properly processed, your change of status request can be denied, even if everything else is perfect.

Changing status is more than just filling forms; it’s about timing, status maintenance, and consistency across all your documents. A small mistake can cause long delays or a denial.

#F1Visa #StatusChange #SEVIS #InternationalStudents #USCIS #ImmigrationAttorney

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