Change of Non-Immigrant Status for International Students in the U.S.
Not all international students enter the U.S. under an F-1 visa. Some arrive with different non-immigrant visas but subsequently decide to pursue full-time studies under F-1 status. In such cases, applicants must apply for a Change of Non-Immigrant Status with USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) before their current non-immigrant visa expires. NVI specializes in processing admissions for applicants seeking to change their non-immigrant status.
F-1 Students
An F-1 student can refer to a nonimmigrant pursuing a comprehensive educational or professional program at a U.S. academic institution. The primary objective of an F-1 student is to attain specific educational or professional goals. Once these objectives are accomplished, it is expected that the F-1 student will return to their home country.
To obtain F-1 status, a student must possess Form I-20 issued by the U.S. school they are currently attending or planning to attend. There are two ways to acquire F-1 status:
1. By entering the United States with the I-20 and obtaining an F-1 visa from a U.S. consulate abroad
excluding Canadian citizens who are exempt from this visa requirement
2. By applying to USCIS for a change of nonimmigrant status if the student is already in the United States and unable to travel.
It's important to note that if the latter option is chosen, the student will not receive an F-1 travel visa, but only F-1 status. Consequently, if the student later travels outside the U.S. while holding F-1 status, they will need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate in order to re-enter the country.
Change of Status
Any individual holding a nonimmigrant status, except for C, D, K, M (and in certain cases J) or those who entered the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, can apply for a change to F-1 status if they have maintained lawful nonimmigrant status until the time of application.
However, individuals with J status who are subject to the two-year home country physical requirement (212(e)) may not change their status within the U.S. unless a waiver has been granted.
Nonimmigrants in A, G, or NATO status must first complete Form I-566 and obtain proper endorsement from the foreign mission to the U.S. and the Department of State.
Academic Policy
The New Vision Institute serves as the official guide for degree requirements, academic policies and regulations, criteria for majors, minors, and concentrations, as well as the definitions of individual courses. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Catalog section on Academic Rules and Procedures, which includes extensive information on degree requirements, academic credit, academic status, satisfactory progress, and leaves, withdrawals, and readmission.
Academic Policy
The New Vision Institute serves as the official guide for degree requirements, academic policies and regulations, criteria for majors, minors, and concentrations, as well as the definitions of individual courses. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Catalog section on Academic Rules and Procedures, which includes extensive information on degree requirements, academic credit, academic status, satisfactory progress, and leaves, withdrawals, and readmission.