Change of Status from B2 to F1

A

AKoul

New Member
Hi,

I came to US on a B2 visa around 9 months back, got sick and filed for extension within 6 months (still under process - isn't approved yet).

1) I now want to stay here and would like to study. I want to know the options I have?

I went to few colleges and tried getting an F1 but the colleges want a confirmed 'status' before they do the 'Change of Status' for me (I got an I20). I have heard that the B2 extension sometimes takes 6+ months and in which case, I may not even get the change of status here in US.

2) Is there any university/college in any state that will give me an F1 while my B2 extension is still under process?

3) Any other option that I may have to stay in US?

I really need guidance and help.

Thanks a lot,
-AK
 
You should be able to get a I 20 from school then file I539. They should put you in SEVIS.
 
lvnp said:
You should be able to get a I 20 from school then file I539. They should put you in SEVIS.
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Thanks for your reply!

I did get I-20 from one of the college but they told me that 'I have to' go back to my country to get the F1 stamped otherwise they will not accept me. I am not confident that I will be able to enter US on F1.

I contact some other colleges but they asked me for an approved status (E.g. B2) before filling for my I539/ 'change of status'.

Is there any college/university that allows me to file I539 / SEVIS when my extension is still pending?

I really need help.

Thanks a lot,
AK
 
The only thing a school can do is issue you an I-20, but only the government can give you status. You can only get F1 status by either 1) entering the US on an F1 visa, or 2) getting approved for a Change of Status to F1 status. In both cases this is between you and the government and the school has nothing to do with it.

You generally need to be in status to apply for Change of Status. You are not currently in status (your I-94 has expired); you just have a pending Extension of Stay application so you can stay here. I am not sure whether you can apply for Change of Status when you don't have status and just a pending Extension of Stay application.
 
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