What is a change of status?
Providing permission to foreign nationals holding a nonimmigrant visa in the U.S. to change status to another nonimmigrant category while in the U.S. is called Change of Status.
How do I change my status with Uscis?
You submit an application for a change of status by mail or you can file online using USCIS ELIS for a change of status before the expiration date as shown on the admission stamp in your travel document on your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record.
How do I apply for a status change?
If you want to change your status while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires.
What is a change of status application?
Adjustment of status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the United States. This means that you may get a Green Card without having to return to your home country to complete visa processing.
What is i485 form?
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used by a person in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status. Throughout these Instructions, we will sometimes refer to Form I-485 as an application for adjustment of status or as an adjustment application.
What is Form I 539 used for?
Use Form I-539 if you are physically present in the United States and wish to request initial status or change status to a V nonimmigrant, or to request an extension of your current V nonimmigrant status.
How much does change of status Cost?
For most applicants, the fee is $1,140, plus an $85 biometrics fee. If you’re under 14 and filing with one of your parents’ I-485s, you’ll pay $950; if you’re under 14 and filing on your own, you’ll pay the full $1,140. The biometrics fee is waived if you’re under 14, or if you’re aged 79 or more.
Can I stay in the US while waiting for change of status?
The application process for a Change of Status (COS) will allow you to remain in the US while the decision is pending, provided the application is filed in a timely manner with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Can I 485 be filed online?
You can file Form I-485 either online or by mail. To submit your form online, you should create a MyUSCIS account on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) website. You can then receive all updates on your application through your alien registration number (a-number).
Who is eligible for change of status?
You must already be eligible for a U.S. green card (lawful permanent or conditional residence), perhaps through a U.S. employer, a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident , or by having received asylum or refugee status at least one year before.
What happens after I 485 is approved?
Upon approval, the applicant is mailed a Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card. The date the Form I-485 is approved becomes the date of adjustment, which in turn determines how soon the newly adjusted Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) may apply for U.S. citizenship. Permanent Resident Cards are valid for ten years.
When to apply for a change of status?
It is recommended that you apply as soon as you determine that you need to change to a different nonimmigrant category. Note: You must apply to change your nonimmigrant category before your current nonimmigrant status expires. Also, do not start new employment before getting approval for your change of status application.
How to change my nonimmigrant status to student?
The designated school official (DSO) should give change of status in the Issue Reason section of the Form I-20. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. File a Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” with USCIS. Not all nonimmigrant classifications are eligible to change to student status.
How to file an extension of stay or change of status?
An application for an extension of stay (EOS) or change of status (COS) is generally filed on a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) or Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539), depending upon the nonimmigrant classification the applicant seeks to extend or change.
Where do I Mail my change of status request?
Mailed Requests – You may mail your Change of Status request, containing all required documents, to the Diplomatic Liaison Division at the following address: Diplomatic Liaison Division, Department of State, CA/VO/DO/DL, SA-17, Floor 11, Washington, DC 20522-1711