Studying in the USA is a goal pursued by many international students, after all, who doesn't dream of reaching excellent academic and professional opportunities, right?!
Currently, there are two ways to obtain a study permit in the USA: through a consular application in your home country or through a change of status application when you are already in the USA.
What is the difference between the two applications?
The most common and traditional process is to apply for a student visa at a US embassy or consulate in your home country.
The process includes an interview, in which the candidate is asked about their study plans, finances, and ties to their country. If approved, the applicant receives the visa in their passport, which guarantees their legal entry into the country for study purposes.
The second case occurs when the applicant is already in the USA and requests a change of their status from non-immigrant (usually tourist status) to student status.
This process takes place internally in the USA and is submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What is the biggest disadvantage of applying for a change of status?
This option avoids the need to travel back to the home country to obtain the student visa, which can be convenient for saving time and money.
However, it is important to know that by submitting a change of status application, the student is essentially indicating their intention to stay and study in the USA.
Leaving the country while the application is pending or even after it is approved may be interpreted as a break in this intention and may result in the denial of the application or loss of student status.
In other words, it is of utmost importance that the student is aware of this restriction, as there may be situations that require their presence in their home country and, at that moment, a choice will need to be made between giving up being there or giving up their study time in the USA. If the student chooses to leave the USA, they will lose their status and will only be able to study in the USA again after going through a new process of applying for a study permit.
Regardless of the chosen method, the opportunity to study in such a diverse and enriching country offers, in addition to academic growth and numerous professional opportunities, the chance to experience another culture, practice a different language, and develop global connections.
Whatever path you choose, it is essential to be well informed and confident in your decision.
With proper planning and support, it is possible to make the most of the study experience in the USA. And the team at Murtaz Law can help you with this process.
If you are in the USA and want to understand the possibilities of changing your status to a student, click on this link and send us a message. We are available to answer all your questions.
About Murtaz Law
With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.
Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.
Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.