Dependent Visa Status Change Timeline and Guide
I. Common U.S. Visa Types
1. Student Visas (F Category)
● F1: International student visa; allows on-campus work, off-campus work requires authorization.
● F2: Dependent visa for F1 holders’ family members; does not allow employment.
2. Business/Tourist Visas (B Category)
● B1: Business visa, valid for six months.
● B2: Tourist/visitor visa, valid for six months; job-seeking allowed but work requires switching to a work visa like H-1B.
3. Short-Term Work Visas
● H1B: Work visa valid for three years, extendable for another three years.
● H4: Dependent visa for H1B holders' family members; work authorization (EAD) available under certain conditions.
● L1: Intra-company transfer visa.
● L2: Dependent visa for L1 holders; eligible for EAD work authorization.
● J1: Exchange visitor visa; on-campus work permitted with approval.
● J2: Dependent visa for J1 holders; eligible for EAD work authorization.
This guide explains how these visa statuses can be converted to and from F1. Save and share for reference!
II. Visa Status Change Timeline and Guide
1. F1 to F2 & F2 to F1
F1 to F2
● Timeline: Typically takes 3-6 months.
● Eligibility: F2 is available for the spouse or children (under 21) of an F1 holder.
● Required Documents: I-20 forms for both applicant and F1 holder, marriage certificate, passports, visas, I-94, financial proof, I-539 form, G-1145 form, application fee.
● Process: Submit application to USCIS → Receive Receipt Number → Biometrics → Await approval.
● Note: F2 holders cannot work but children can access free education in the U.S.
F2 to F1
● Timeline: Typically takes 4-8 months.
● Eligibility: Applicant must be admitted to a U.S. school, and the F1 spouse/parent must maintain valid status.
● Required Documents: Old F2 and new F1 I-20, passport, visa, I-94, admission letter, SEVIS fee receipt, financial proof, I-539 form.
● Process: Fill out I-539 form online → Pay fee → Biometrics → Await approval.
2. B1/B2 to F1 & F1 to B1/B2
B1/B2 to F1
● Timeline: Typically takes 6-12 months.
● Eligibility: Must be in valid B1/B2 status and meet F1 visa requirements.
● Required Documents: I-20, I-94, passport, B1/B2 visa, financial proof, SEVIS fee receipt, change of status explanation letter, I-539 form, application fee.
● Process: Obtain school admission → Pay SEVIS fee → Submit I-539 application → Biometrics → Await approval.
F1 to B1/B2
● Timeline: Typically takes 3-6 months.
● Eligibility: If unable to maintain F1 status, applying for a B visa allows extended legal stay.
● Required Documents: I-94, I-20, bank statement, application fee ($370), biometric fee ($85).
● Process: Fill out I-539 form → Pay fees → Biometrics → Await approval.
3. H1B/H4 to F1 & F1 to H1B/H4
H1B/H4 to F1
● Timeline: Typically takes 4-6 months.
● Eligibility: Suitable for those returning to school.
● Required Documents: I-20, I-539, SEVIS fee receipt, financial proof, I-94, H1B approval notice, passport.
● Process: Submit I-539 online → Pay fee → Biometrics → Await approval.
F1 to H1B/H4
● Timeline: H1B lottery occurs in April, status change effective in October.
● Eligibility: H1B requires employer sponsorship; H4 is for dependents of H1B holders.
● Required Documents: I-20, I-94, passport, job offer letter, resume, degree certificate, transcripts, employment proof.
● Process: Employer submits H1B petition → Lottery → Submit I-129 → Pay fee → Await approval.
4. L1/L2 to F1 & F1 to L1/L2
L1/L2 to F1
● Timeline: Typically takes 3-6 months.
● Eligibility: For L visa holders transitioning to student status.
● Required Documents: I-20, I-539, I-94, financial proof, passport, visa details, explanation letter.
● Process: Submit I-539 → Biometrics → Await approval.
5. J1/J2 to F1 & F1 to J1/J2
J1/J2 to F1
● Timeline: Typically takes 6-12 months.
● Eligibility: J1 holders may need a waiver for the two-year home residency requirement.
● Required Documents: I-20, DS-2019, passport, I-94, SEVIS fee receipt, financial proof.
● Process: Apply for I-20 → Submit I-539 → Biometrics → Await approval.
F1 to J1/J2
● Timeline: Typically takes 3-6 months.
● Eligibility: J1 is for academic exchange or research programs.
● Required Documents: I-20, DS-2019, I-94, SEVIS fee receipt, financial proof, passport.
● Process: Submit application → Biometrics → Await approval.
III. Key Considerations for Visa Status Changes
1. Timely Submission: Apply before your current status expires to avoid unlawful presence.
2. Complete Documentation: Ensure all necessary materials are submitted to USCIS.
3. Work Restrictions: Employment is generally not allowed during the status change process unless an EAD is granted.
4. Policy Updates: Immigration laws frequently change; check USCIS for the latest information.
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