How do I change status--From B to F?

Filling out Form I-539

Why would you need to change your visa status from B to F?<

If you entered the U.S. on a visa other than a student visa (F or J) and you wish to study, you will need to change your status. Note: you may not begin studies until the Department of Homeland Security adjudicates your request. Four of the situations where a change of status might be sought include:

1. You have a B-2 visa with the notation "prospective student." That is, you told the consular officer that you wish to study, but you are not certain at which college/university you will study. That officer can write "prospective student" on your B-2 visitor's visa. You should be able to obtain a change to F-1 status.
2. You intended to study in the U.S. but the consular officer neglected to write "prospective student" on the B-2 visa.
3. You entered the U.S. in B-2 status. After arriving in the country, you decided to attend school, applied & was admitted to a school, and obtained a form I-20A-B.
4. While outside the U.S. you believed you would encounter difficulty in securing an F-1 visa from a consular officer and obtained a B-2 visa, and entered the country intending to apply to change to F-1 status here
   
   If you are in the first three categories, and can make your case clearly, you should be able to change to F-1 status. If you are in categories 2 and 3 you may have a problem to convince the USCIS of your good faith and you should provide whatever information or evidence is available to support you contention that you are entitled to change to F-1 status. If you are in category 4, you will not be able to change your status.

Check List For Changing status:

On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions and be prepared to discuss them with the International student advisor:

1. Explain why you did not enter the U.S. in the F-1 or F-2 status you now seek?
2. Have you been engaging in the activities for which you were admitted to the United States? Explain:
3. After you entered the U.S., you decided to attend school. What information or other factors led you to make that decision? (Persons in B statuses who told the consular officer they intended to attend school, or who wrote about the intention on the visa application should explain here. Those who entered as a dependent spouse or child may skip this question.)
4. In what country do you intend to live and study after you have completed your studies in the United States? Why?
5. Explain how your course of study will help you academically or professionally after you leave the U.S.

You will send the following to USCIS:

• A completed Form I-539, Application to Extend Status/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You may download and print the form from the USCIS web site: http://uscis.gov/ You may copy only the pages of the form itself and not print the instructions.
• A properly executed and original Form I-20A-B from La Verne. Be sure to sign item 11.
• Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee
• A photocopy of your Form I-94 (front and back)
• Photocopy of your passport ID page and visa
• Photocopies of evidence of financial support
• Dependent family member documentation (if applicable)
• A check for $200.00, made out to the: Department of Homeland Security
• Optional: letter explaining why you wish to change your status to F-1.

You will send the documents to:

USCIS California Service Center
P O Box 10539
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-0539

NOTES:

1. A Non-immigrant applying for change of status from B-1 or B-2 to F-1 may not begin his/her studies until the USCIS has approved his/her change of status application.
2. Some categories of non-immigrant visitors are not permitted to change to F-1 status in the United States.