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Student & Scholar Services »Change of Status From F-1 to B-2


A change of non-immigrant status from F-1 student to B-2 tourist, may be requested when the applicant is in valid status and has made the decision not to maintain student status. Individuals who have completed their studies or practical training and wish additional time to visit the U.S. before returning home, may choose to be in B-2 status.

The documents which need to be submitted to INS to apply for a change to B-2 status are:

  1. Form I-539, application for change of non-immigrant status.
  2. Letter to USCIS explaining reasons for request, why the stay would be temporary and what arrangements have been made to depart the U.S.
  3. SEVIS I-20.
  4. A copy of both sides of Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure card in passport). If dependents are in the U.S, please attach copies of their I-94 cards. Dependents in F-2 status do not need to file a separate application, but dependents must be noted on the addendum sheet attached to Form I-539.
  5. Check or money order for $200.00.
  6. Evidence of financial support. It is necessary to show that the applicant has sufficient funds to support his/her stay in the U.S. Requests for tourist visas are usually approved for 6 months or less.
  7. Passport identity pages showing date of expiration, including those of dependents.
  8. Copies of visa of applicant and dependents.
  9. Additional documentation as recommended by the International Student Advisor.
Please bring all of the above documents to the International Office. The International Student Advisor will review the application and forward it to the USCIS Texas Service Center for adjudication. Processing will take a minimum of two months and students will be notified when their documents have been returned.

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