Materials and Steps for Changing F-1, OPT, and F-2 Status to B-2 Visitor Status
This guide outlines the materials and steps for F-1 (including OPT) and F-2 status holders applying to change to B-2 visitor status, covering Form I-539, the cover letter, proof of funds, passport and I-94 documents, fees and mailing addresses, along with online filing and the note on submitting during the grace period.
F-1 visa holders (including those on OPT) may change to B-2 status when eligible; dependent F-2 status can also be converted. Extensions and changes of status for nonimmigrant visas require Form I-539; for details, refer to "How to Fill Out Form I-539 for B1/B2 Tourist Visa Extension." However, answers to some questions must be adjusted accordingly, and the required documents differ.
Required Materials
Refer to this checklist provided by the University of Toledo International Student Center:
- Cover letter. Explain who you are, where you come from, where you are going, and why you are requesting a change of status to B-2; clearly state that your stay is temporary (e.g., tourism) and that you will return to China upon expiration. A clear itinerary and a return ticket are preferable.
- Proof of financial resources. For example, bank statements; refer to {https://gonglue.us/728}.
- Copies of the following documents: passport (only the personal information page is needed; the checklist requires the passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay—this issue has been discussed before, see {https://gonglue.us/468}); visa; I-94 record (see {https://gonglue.us/15029}); OPT card (if any).
- Completed Form I-539. Remember to sign it!
- If you wish to receive SMS or email notifications, complete Form G-1145.
- Check. The current filing fee is $370, plus an $85 biometrics fee for each applicant, totaling $455; verify using the USCIS fee calculator on its official website. Payment can be made by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or by completing Form G-1450 for credit card payment. For check-writing tips, see {https://gonglue.us/2827}.
Additionally, it is recommended that you provide the following statements or documents:
- Statements or documents showing your "strong ties" to your home country, such as all family members residing there.
- Statements or documents showing your stay in the U.S. is "temporary," such as a ticket already purchased for return in three months.
Application Steps
- Prepare the above materials, including completing and signing Form I-539.
- Mail via USPS; verify the address on USCIS's I-539 address page. At the time of writing, F-1/OPT to B2 falls under the "All other Forms I-539" category on that page, with addresses: For U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS P.O. Box 660166 Dallas, TX 75266; For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS ATTN: I-539 2501 S. State Highway 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067.
- Wait for notification and complete biometrics.
- After biometrics, wait for the adjudication result.
Recommended: Apply Online
USCIS launched its online filing system in 2019 and has gradually added eligible application categories; currently, F-1/OPT to B2 should already be available for online filing, which is faster, more convenient, and less error-prone than mailing (e.g., no common issues such as wrong address, incorrect fee, or forgotten signature; many mailed applications are rejected/returned due to these issues). For online filing, refer to the video tutorial below; although the example is a B1/B2 extension, the general process and many questions are the same: {https://gonglue.us/57573}.
Whether changing status or extending, the application should be submitted before the original status expires. J/F/M statuses are usually D/S, with a grace period after the program ends. As long as you have not violated your status, you may still apply for a change of status or extension during the grace period; see [https://gonglue.us/27928].
