How to Change an F-1 Visa to a J-1
- 1). Ask your institution sponsoring you for J1 visa to apply for SEVIS DS-2019 form. This form is the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.
- 2). Go to www.uscis.gov. Download form I-539 and Instructions to file I-539.
- 3). Fill the form I-539. Attach following documents along with I-539 form.
Copy of passport
Original I-94 form
Copies of your educational transcript. If the transcript is in any foreign language, an English translation of the document, certified by a legal translator, must be attached.
SEVIS fee - 4). Set up an appointment with the U.S. Consulate in your home country for J1 visa stamping. Carry all the original documents along with you for the visa interview. Once the J1 visa is approved you can re-enter United States.
This process is a lengthy process and is potentially risky. Consult the foreign students department at the institution sponsoring for J1 visa. - 1). Ask your institution sponsoring you for J-1 visa to initiate "invite a scholar" process. They will apply for SEVIS DS-2019 form. This form is the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.
- 2). Go to www.uscis.gov. Download form I-539 and Instructions to file I-539.
- 3). Fill the form I-539. Submit this form along with SEVIS DS-2019.
- 4). Attach following documents along with I-539 form.
Copy of passport
Original I-94 form
Copies of your educational transcript. If the transcript is in any foreign language, an English translation of the document, certified by a legal translator must be attached.
SEVIS fee - 5). Submit the application for the change of status to the Department of Homeland Security within the United States. The time frame needed by the Department of Homeland Security to process a change of status is 4-9 months.Therefore, when applying for status change, give yourself enough time for the application procedure.
Change of Status via Re-entry to the U.S..
Change of Status to J-1 within the U.S.
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