How to Change Visa Status in the U.S.

If the original reasons for coming to the U.S. have changed, certain visitors who were lawfully admitted into the U.S. with non-immigrant visas may change their visa to another status including:

B - Temporary visitors for business or pleasure,

E - International trade and investors and their dependents,

F - Academic students and their dependents,

H - Temporary workers and their dependents,

I - Representatives of foreign media and their dependents,

J - Exchange visitors and their dependents,

L - Intra-Company Transferees and their dependents,

M - Vocational students and their dependents,

Q – Cultural exchange employees or trainees.

For changing status it is necessary to prove that you didn’t have a preconceived intent to change status while applying for the original visa.

A passport should be valid for the duration of the stay under the new non-immigrant status.