Student Visas

Can You Switch to a Student Visa From Another U.S. Visa?

If you’re currently living in the United States on another visa, but are interested in attending school, it might be possible for you to do what’s called a “change of status” and pursue your studies without having to leave the United States first.

Attending U.S. Elementary or High School on an F-1 Visa

You might be able to enter the U.S. on an F-1 visa to attend elementary or secondary school, but public schools are a difficult case, because you'd have to get them to charge you tuition.

Can I Change My Status From J-1 Visa to F-1 Visa?

If you are an exchange visitor and you would like to stay in the U.S. to study, you may be able to get an F-1 student visa. Here are the legal issues to consider.

Transferring to a Different School on an F-1 Visa

As long as you maintain your F-1 student status, transferring schools should be fairly straightforward.

Financial Requirements for a Student Visa

If you want to apply for a student visa in the U.S., you'll need to prove you can afford the tuition and related costs.

Applying for a U.S. Student Visa While on a Tourist Visa

Learn about the tricky legal issues you might encounter if you'd like to stay in the U.S. to study after having entered on a B-2 tourist visa.

How to Extend Your F-1 Student Visa

If you are making normal progress towards your school degree, but you need more time than was authorized on your I-20 form, here's how to extend your F-1 status.

Can You Maintain Legal Status With an Expired F-1 Student Visa?

You can still maintain your legal status as an F-1 student, even after your visa stamp has expired.

Staying in the U.S. on an Expired F-1 Visa: Legal Issues

Learn about the penalties and rules regarding overstaying an academic student visa.

Overstayed on a Student Visa: Options to Stay in the U.S.

If you've overstayed an F-1 or J-1 student visa, you have a few options to stay in or return to - the U.S.

Reinstating Your F-1 Student Status

Here's what to do if you have fallen out of F-1 status, but wish to return to your studies.

Can an Out of Status F-1 Visa Student Get a Green Card?

Find out if having fallen out of status will impact the student's ability to get a green card (U.S. lawful permanent residence).

Why You May Be Denied an F-1 U.S. Student Visa

Learn about failures to meet the basic requirements and other likely reasons for denial of a student visa.

How to Avoid Breaking the Student Visa Rules

Once you're in the U.S. and studying, keep these tips in mind to avoid issues with your student visa status.