Intensive English Program (IEP) is F-1 visa compliant and Lingua Prime is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

Intensive English Program (IEP) is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). To verify the ongoing accreditation of Lingua Prime please visit https://cea-accredit.org/accredited-sites.

When Change of Status May Be a Good Option

Changing status may be relevant for individuals who:

- Are already in the United States on a tourist visa
- Decide to begin studying at a language school or academic institution
- Prefer to continue their education without leaving the country

SEVP-certified schools can issue Form I-20 after a student is officially admitted to a program.

FAQs

Yes. If you are in the U.S. in a valid nonimmigrant status and have not violated its terms, you may apply for a change of status through USCIS.
No. The change of status process allows eligible applicants to change their status inside the United States without applying for a new visa at a consulate.
No. Each case is reviewed individually by USCIS, and approval depends on the documents and eligibility of the applicant.

Intensive English Program (IEP) is F-1 visa compliant and Lingua Prime is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students

B2 to F1 Change of Status - How to Change a Tourist Visa to Student Status in the U.S.

Some international visitors enter the United States on a B1/B2 tourist visa and later decide to begin studying at a U.S. school. In certain situations, it may be possible to change your immigration status to F-1 student status without leaving the United States.

This process is called Change of Status and is handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Who Can Change Status from B2 to F1

According to USCIS regulations, a foreign national may apply to change their status to F-1 if they:

- Are currently in the United States in lawful nonimmigrant status
- Have not violated the conditions of their current visa
- Are accepted into an SEVP-certified school
- Receive Form I-20 from the institution
- File the application before their current status expires

It is important to note that the final decision to approve or deny a change of status is made by USCIS, not by the school.

Main Steps to Change Status from B2 to F1

The change of status process usually includes several key steps.

1. Apply to an SEVP-Certified School

The student must apply to and be accepted by a school authorized to enroll international students.

2. Receive Form I-20

After acceptance, the school issues Form I-20, which confirms eligibility to study in the United States under F-1 status.

3. Pay the SEVIS Fee

Before applying for a change of status, the student must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.

4. File Form I-539

To request a change of status, the applicant must submit Form I-539 - Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status to USCIS.

5. Wait for USCIS Decision

USCIS will review the application and decide whether to approve or deny the change of status.

During this period, applicants must continue to maintain the conditions of their current immigration status.

Can You Study on a Tourist Visa?

According to U.S. government regulations, full-time academic study is not permitted for individuals in B1/B2 status.

If you plan to enroll in a full-time academic program or an intensive English language course, you must first obtain F-1 student status.

Important Restrictions

The U.S. government highlights several important rules regarding change of status.

- Students cannot begin full-time study until their F-1 status is officially approved.
- The application must be filed before the current status expires.
- USCIS may request additional documentation during the review process.