USCIS issues guidance on changing from B-1 or B-2 status

Original Date Announced
April 5, 2017
Updated USCIS guidance provides that applicants seeking to change status from B-1 or B-2 to F-1 or M-1 must request an extension of B-1 or B-2 status if the status expires more than 30 days before the F-1 or M-1 start date or if the F-1 or M-1 start date was deferred because USCIS did not make a decision on the change of status in time. [ID #680]
USCIS Special Instructions for B-1/B-2 Visitors Who Want to Enroll in School
Effective Date
April 5, 2017
Subsequent Trump and Court Action(s)
- February 6, 2018
  USCIS Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status
  
  On February 6, 2018 USCIS expanded this policy to changes of status from any nonimmigrant category to F-1 or M-1.
  View Document
Biden Administration Action: Revoked/Replaced
July 20, 2021
2021.07.25 Change of Status to Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Visa Classification

This Biden administration policy revokes most of the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
On July 20, 2021, USCIS announced new policy guidance that "eliminates the need for individuals who have applied for a change of status (COS) to F-1 student to apply to change or extend their nonimmigrant status while their initial F-1 COS application is pending." The guidance is silent with respect to changes to M-1 status.
View Document

Partially in effect

July 20, 2021 Action: Revoked/Replaced 2021.07.25 Change of Status to Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Visa Classification

July 20, 2021

Status: Final/Actual

Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive

Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor Non-Immigrant Visas: Student

Agencies Affected: USCIS

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Original Date Announced