Change of Status
Changing Immigration Status within the U.S.
In order to be granted a change of status within the U.S., the applicant generally must (at the time the application is filed)
- Have been lawfully admitted to the U.S.
- Not have been unlawfully present in the U.S.
- Hold a status that allows such a change,
- Be maintaining valid status,
- File the change of status application in a timely fashion (before the current status expires), and
- Be eligible for the new status requested
Changing from J-1 scholar to a different non-immigrant status
Visiting J scholars who are not subject to the 2-year home residency physical presence requirement (see “2-year requirement”) are eligible to apply for change of status to any other visa type for which they qualify.
Exchange visitors who are subject to the 2-year home country physical presence requirement are not eligible to change from within the U.S. to any other status in the U.S. except A (diplomatic or government official) or G (international organization), unless they receive a waiver of the 2-year requirement from the Department of State and US Citizenship & Immigration Services.
Changing to J-1 scholar from a different non-immigrant status
- Read the informational page about J-1 scholars.
- Find a WSU department to sponsor you for a research or teaching experience.
- For instructions to complete the forms necessary to change to J-1 scholar status click here.
Page Updated: November 9, 2009