Reminder about STATUS vs. VISA

There is often confusion between the terms STATUS and VISA.  A VISA is only a stamp in a passport that says you are allowed to enter the U.S.  Visas can only be obtained by visiting a U.S. consulate abroad, it is not possible to get a visa from within the U.S.  Visas are only for “getting in” and have no bearing on an individual’s right to be here legally. 

STATUS refers to the legal classification allowing you to currently be in the U.S., and STATUS can be changed within the U.S.  Thus you can send in your application material by mail and have your STATUS changed, but you will not receive a new VISA and will not need one unless you leave the U.S.  Only then will you need to make arrangements to go to the nearest U.S. consulate to apply for a VISA to allow you to get back into the U.S. 

It is possible to take care of changing both STATUS and VISA by traveling outside the U.S. and applying for a visa.  Then once you enter the U.S. using the new visa, you are automatically considered to be in that new STATUS. 

Keep in mind that there may be circumstances that would make one of these option undesirable for certain individuals. 

How can I change status?

There are two ways to change nonimmigrant status:

1. Travel outside the U.S. and re-enter in the new status, or

2. Stay in the U.S. and request a change of status by application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). *by doing this you can not attend school until you "change of status" is granted.

What to Know:

• File Form I-539 before authorized period of stay expires

  • Must be accepted by an SEVP-Certified school and receive a signed Form I-20.

• May apply to change visa status in nonimmigrant:

  • Was lawfully admitted to the United States with a nonimmigrant visa

  • Maintained valid nonimmigrant status

  • Has not violated conditions of nonimmigrant status

  • Has not committed any crimes that make them ineleigible.

Citizenship and Immigration Services:
P.O. Box 660166
Dallas, TX 75266

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