Hello all,

Has anyone tried to change their status from F2 to F1 without leaving US? If so, how long would the process take? If it can't be done without leaving US, do we have to go to Nepal or can we go to Canada/Mexico and get it done?
Any suggestion is appreciated.

Thanks

One of my friend did last year, its pretty easy. Apply for admission in the university. if you get accepted, they will issue you I-20, fill up the USCIS forms for Adjustment of current status from F2 to F1, pay the required fee. After you send the application packet to USCIS you have to wait couple of months until they adjust your status. Depending on the University, some university allow you to take classes, some universities only let you take the classes after the status been approved. Don't worry you don't need to go anywhere outside to change your status. But if you leave the country, to re-enter to have to stamp another VISA. If you are planning to stay until your graduation you don't need another visa, you can just change your status through adjustment of status.

Before you send packet to USCIS, make sure you have:
Copy of I-94
Copies of your immigration documents (Passport with photo page, expiration page, visa page)
Form I-20- from University
Form I-901 receipt
Letter explaining that you don't have any intentional to stay in United states after the completion of your studies.
Copies of financial documents (Proof of Finances for tuition, fees and living expenses)
Copies of the immigration documents of the original F1 Visa holder (Passport with photo page, expiration page, visa page; I-94; I-20)

Good info, is that the same procedure i assume for Tourist Visa, Can we still change the status in tourist visa as well, does any one know ?? Appreciate your inputs !!

same procedure from B1/B2 to F1.
Some important information while you apply for Adjustment of your Status:
Do not send any document to USCIS or Apply any school for first 60 days from the date you enter united States.
Start Applying school only after 60 days.

For B1/B2 to F1
Before you send packet to USCIS, make sure you have
Form I-539
USCIS filing fee: money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
I-94
Photocopy of the visa page
Photocopy of Passport page
Photocopy of the signed I-20 issued in your name
Detailed evidence of financial support
Photocopy of proof of payment of SEVIS fee
Detailed letter requesting and explaining the need to change status

***If your B-1/B-2 visa is endorsed “prospective student,” you should have little difficulty changing to student status.

When you write letter to USCIS make sure you include:
How and when did you arrive at your decision to study in the U.S.?
How and when did you first contact the University?
***** even if you contacted university within 60 days from the date you enter united states. Always say you have contact the university after 60 days rom the date you enter united states.
***Also include you don't have any intention to stay in US after completion of your studies.

Okay great, thank you so much s001. It helps!!

if your F1 status get approved you cannot re-enter US with your B1/B2 visa. in this situation you have to apply for another F1 visa, if you are planning to leave and re-enter united states.

okay sure, sounds good will plan accordingly !!

Thanks all, it was very helpful !

S0001- Thanks for sharing the information. Just curious, did you recently changed your status to F1 from B1/B2?

No but I helped someone. And I know a lot of people who changed to F1 from F2, B1/B2, J1/J2, H4, or even from TPS. So if anyone need help I can gather information from them. I am happy to help anyone.

s001- thanks for sharing. I have Pm' ed you.