B-1/B-2 Visa - Visitor for Tourism and Business FAQ
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Can I enter the U.S. on a B visitor visa and then change status to student (F or M) status?
YES. However, a new interim regulation now requires a foreign national who is admitted to the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 visitor’s visa on or after April 12, 2002 to obtain approval from USCIS of any change of status to F-1 or M-1 student status before they may enroll in a course of study. Furthermore, students may not change status from M-1 to F-1 status in the U.S. New proposed regulations may also require prospective students to declare their intent to change to student status and present any Form I-20’s they have been issued by prospective schools at the time they enter the U.S., and their I-94 cards will be annotated accordingly by the CBP inspector.
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What are the B-1 and B-2 Visa Classifications?
The B-1 visa category allows foreign business persons to enter the U.S. for temporary periods of time to conduct business or receive training. B-2 visa classification is generally reserved for foreign nationals who wish to enter the U.S. temporarily for the purposes of tourism.
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Can I extend my stay as a B-1/2 visitor?
YES. Persons admitted pursuant to a valid B visa may apply to extend their status in the United States for up to 180 additional days. Persons who enter under the Visa Waiver Program may not extend their status in the US. Applications for extensions of status must be submitted to a USCIS Regional Service Center prior to the date of expiration of the initial period of stay. Applications for extension of B status are often denied unless applicants can demonstrate a legitimate need to extend their stay, such as incapacitation or ongoing medical treatment. USCIS processing times for extensions of status are often quite long and can exceed the period of time requested in the extension.
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Can I work while I am in the United States in B-1/2 status?
NO. Visitors are not authorized to work or accept employment during their stay in the United States.
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Can my dependents also qualify for B-1/B-2 status?
The United States government may allow spouses and children under 21 years of age to accompany the foreign national to the United States. Dependents of those with B-1/B-2 visa classification may also receive B-1/B-2 visa classification.
