How does an alien in the U.S. change visa status?
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) authorizes changes of status when an alien is in the U.S. In most cases, the applicant must still be in status as of the date INS receives the change or extension of status application. The applicant is considered “in status” while the application is pending. The INS office should be contacted for filing procedures. Usually, a Form I-539 or I-129 has to be filed to change or extend one’s status from a certain nonimmigrant visa category to another or the same visa category.
Related Questions
- Do the H-4 visa holders maintain their status as long as the principal alien maintains his/her status, or are they also required to re-file to maintain their status in change of employer situations?
- Can an alien in the U.S. change visa status, or extend the period of time he/she is allowed to remain in the U.S.?
- How does an alien in the U.S. change visa status?
