Are you currently in the United States on a B1/B2 visa? Are you looking to enroll in an ESL school and become a student? We can help you change your current B1/B2 status to F-1 status:
- we will help you navigate the process of changing non-immigrant status
- we will provide you with I-20 Form issued by ACES to apply for F-1 visa
Submit the following to obtain 1-20 Form from ACES:
- online registration form
- proof of registration fee payment ($100.00)
- a copy of passport to verify the accuracy of information
- proof of available finances from a viable source (i.e., bank account statement) for amount required per tuition fee and living expenses (i.e., housing and board) for the intended time of stay, or a letter of affidavit of support from financial sponsor if applicable
Apply for F-1 Visa
B1/B2 Visa holders have 2 options for obtaining F-1 status:
Option 1 – Travel and Reentry:
- Leave the U.S. and apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate, and reenter the U.S. with the new visa and other relevant documents.
- Plan your travel and schedule F-1 visa appointment. You can enter the U.S. with your I-20 and F-1 visa no earlier than 30 days before the I-20 start date.
Option 2 – Change of Status in the US:
Submit your application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status. Include the following documents:
- Form I-539 (application to extend/change non-immigrant status)
- USCIS filing fee (check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”)
- Original I-94 card or photocopy of admission stamp and paper printout of I-94 record
- Photocopy of the visa page and identification page in your passport
- Photocopy of the signed I-20 issued in your name by ACES
- Proof of financial resources
- Proof of payment of SEVIS fee
- Detailed letter requesting and explaining the need to change status