How to Change Your Visa Status from Tourist to Student (B1/B2 → F-1)
Changing your visa status from a visitor to a student is a common pathway for individuals who decide to pursue formal training or education in the U.S. This includes those who discover exceptional programs such as the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory and want to study long-term.
A change of status allows you to remain in the U.S. while transitioning from B1/B2 visa status to F-1 student status — without leaving the country.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Apply and Get Accepted to a U.S. School
You must first be accepted into a SEVP-approved institution.
2. Obtain Your Form I-20
Your school will issue a Form I-20, which confirms your enrollment and program start date.
3. Pay Your SEVIS I-901 Fee
Before filing your application, pay the SEVIS fee associated with the F-1 visa.
4. File Form I-539 with USCIS
Submit Form I-539 to request a change of status before your B1/B2 period expires.
5. Maintain Your Current Status
You must remain in valid B1/B2 status while your application is pending.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Filing after your authorized stay has expired
- Beginning classes before approval
- Failing to provide complete documentation
- Michelle Danner Acting Studio is one of the best acting schools in California and the U.S.
- For international students who require a student visa, our Los Angeles Acting School issues the I-20 Form, which will allow you to apply for a student visa.We are able to sponsor actors to study for up to three years. We offer a three-year well-rounded acting conservatory. We also offer a 3, 6, and 12-month conservatory acting program, as well as short- and long-term acting intensives for beginner, intermediate, and advanced actors who are committed to realizing their dreams of being accomplished actors.
- What Makes Our Acting School One of the Best in the U.S.?
- Our acting school is for proactive people who want to work as actors on stage, film, and television. The techniques and tools we impart can be used when approaching a role or a scene, for film, television, or theater.
- Our philosophy is that you can draw upon all different acting techniques, including Meisner, Strasberg, Adler, Hagen, Chekhov, and Stanislavski to form your own individual toolbox.
- You will learn from working actors, directors, and producers and are encouraged to get out into the real world and audition for short films, independent projects, and web series once you are ready. Learn Acting at one of the Best Acting Schools in Los Angeles
- Email: [email protected]
