Change of Status
There are two options for applying for a change of non-immigrant status.
Option 1: Travel and Reentry
Leave the U.S., apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate, and reenter the U.S. with the new visa and other relevant documents. You will gain your new status when you are admitted into the U.S.
For information about visas, including how to apply, see the US Department of State web site.
Option 2: Apply to Change Status in the U.S.
Submit an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status. This option allows you to change your nonimmigrant status while remaining in the U.S. With this option you may gain the new status but you will not receive a new visa; visas are only issued outside the U.S.
Option 1: Travel and Reentry
Leave the U.S., apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate, and reenter the U.S. with the new visa and other relevant documents. You will gain your new status when you are admitted into the U.S.
For information about visas, including how to apply, see the US Department of State web site.
Option 2: Apply to Change Status in the U.S.
Submit an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status. This option allows you to change your nonimmigrant status while remaining in the U.S. With this option you may gain the new status but you will not receive a new visa; visas are only issued outside the U.S.