If I enter the United States on a visitor visa, can I change to student (F-1) status to study in a full-time program?
 
The NYU-SCPS Website
Faculty
Degrees
Professional Certificates
Upcoming Events
Search Courses
Non-Credit Course

Frequently Asked Questions

 

If I enter the United States on a visitor visa, can I change to student (F-1) status to study in a full-time program?

Under the new regulations, visitors are not permitted to pursue a full course of study or to attend classes prior to receiving approval of the change of status request from the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (BUSCIS). To facilitate the change of status process, the prospective student should notify the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) upon arrival in the US, of their intent to begin a full course of study in the United States. Students who fail to inform the INS official at the port of entry will not receive approval of a change of status request and must return to their home country to apply for a student (F-1) visa before starting their program.

Since the change of status application may require a three-to-four month processing period, students are strongly encouraged to return to their home country to apply for a student visa. Visitors who enter the United States on a 90-day visa waiver cannot apply for a change of status in the US and must return to their home country to apply for a student visa.

Bookmark This Link