Changing Your Visa Status
Your visa (nonimmigrant) status must align with the purpose of your stay in the U.S. For example, as a student with J-1 status, completing a program of study is your purpose. If the purpose of a visit to the U.S. has changed, a change of status may be necessary. For example, a person may enter the U.S. on an J-2 visa as a spouse and then later decide to change to a J-1 visa to pursue a degree at SIUE. Changing visa status can be a complicated process. The timing of the change is critical and must be completed without falling out of status during the transition. If you are considering changing your visa status, please make an appointment with an international student advisor to discuss the change of status application process. Below are detailed descriptions of the change process for several visa types.
Change of Status from J-2 to J-1 Change of Status from H1B to J-1 Change of Status from H4 to J-1