Change of Status (COS)

Immigration Services

Change of Status (COS) Service

Change Your Immigration Status Without Leaving the United States

Care Immigration Service provides non-legal immigration document preparation and administrative support for eligible individuals seeking a Change of Status (COS) with USCIS. We help organize documents, complete forms, prepare application packets, and coordinate translations.

Overview

What is a Change of Status?

A Change of Status (COS) allows certain individuals already in the United States to request a change from one nonimmigrant status to another without leaving the country. For example, someone on a B-2 tourist visa may be eligible to change to F-1 student status if they are accepted to a U.S. school. The COS is filed with USCIS and must generally be submitted before your current authorized period of admission expires. Not all status changes are permitted, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances and USCIS requirements.

Document Support

Professional & Reliable

Common Purposes

Who Is This Visa For?

B-1/B-2 to F-1 Student

B-1/B-2 to F-2 Dependent

F-2 to F-1 Student

Change to H-4 Dependent

Other Eligible Changes

Status Adjustment

Before Status Expires

USCIS Application

What We Do

Our Services Include

Eligibility Intake Questionnaire

Change of Status Document Checklist

Form Preparation Assistance

Supporting Document Organization

Translation Coordination

Secure Document Upload Portal

Application Packet Assembly

USCIS Filing Support

Status Tracking Assistance

Administrative Support Throughout the Process

How It Works

Application Process

1

Complete Intake Form

Provide detailed information about your current immigration status, intended new status, entry history, and reason for requesting the Change of Status through our online intake form.

2

Gather Required Documents

Collect your passport, current visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, financial evidence, and any supporting records specific to the new status you are requesting.

3

Prepare Application Package

We help you organize and assemble all required forms and supporting evidence into a complete USCIS application package based on the specific Change of Status you are requesting.

4

Submit Application to USCIS

File the appropriate application before your current authorized stay expires. Filing before expiration is critical — submitting late can result in denial and unlawful presence issues.

5

Attend Biometrics (If Required)

USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment to collect fingerprints and photos. Attend this appointment at the designated USCIS Application Support Center.

6

Receive USCIS Decision

USCIS reviews your application and issues a decision by mail. Processing times vary. You can check your case status online using the receipt number USCIS provides after filing.

Documents

Common Documents Required

Valid Passport

Current Visa (if applicable)

I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

Proof of Lawful Entry

Financial Support Documents

Passport-Style Photographs (if required)

Supporting Evidence for Requested Status

Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

Birth Certificate (if applicable)

School Documents (for student status)

School Acceptance Letter (for F-1 COS)

Form I-20 (for F-1 COS)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about B-2 Tourist Visitor Visa

Can I travel outside the U.S. while my Change of Status is pending?

Generally, NO. If you leave the United States while a Change of Status application is pending with USCIS, your COS application will typically be considered abandoned. You would then need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy abroad for the new status you were seeking. Unless you have received approval of your COS before departure, you should NOT travel internationally while your application is pending.

How long does Change of Status processing take?

USCIS processing times for Change of Status applications vary significantly and depend on the specific form being filed, the type of status change, USCIS workload, and whether premium processing is available. Processing can range from a few weeks to several months. You can check current USCIS processing times on the official USCIS website.

What happens if my current status expires while my COS is pending?

If you properly file your COS application before your authorized period of admission expires, you are generally considered to be in a period of authorized stay while the application is pending. However, if your application is denied, you could be considered to have been out of status. It's critical to file before your status expires and to keep copies of all filing receipts.

Can I work while my Change of Status application is being processed?

Generally, no — unless you already have work authorization associated with your current status. Simply having a COS application pending does not grant you work authorization. Working without proper authorization is a serious violation. Certain COS applications may allow you to file for concurrent work authorization, but this depends on the specific situation.

What is the difference between a Change of Status and getting a new visa?

A Change of Status changes your immigration status while you remain inside the United States — it's a USCIS process. Getting a new visa is done at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. A COS approval changes your status in the U.S. but does NOT issue a new visa stamp in your passport. When you next travel internationally and re-enter the U.S., you'll need the appropriate visa stamp.

Do I need to leave the U.S. to change my immigration status?

Not necessarily. A Change of Status allows eligible nonimmigrants to change from one status to another while remaining in the United States. However, not all status changes are available through COS. Some changes may require consular processing. Eligibility depends on your specific situation, current status, and the status you're seeking.

Can I change from a B-2 tourist visa to F-1 student status?

This is one of the most common Change of Status requests. It may be possible if you are accepted to a SEVP-certified school, have a valid Form I-20, and file the COS application while maintaining valid B-2 status. However, you must not have violated the terms of your B-2 visa, and questions about pre-formed intent to study may create complications.

What documents are needed for a Change of Status application?

Required documents vary by the type of COS being requested, but typically include: a valid passport, I-94 record, proof of current status and lawful entry, financial support documents, and documents supporting the new requested status (e.g., school acceptance letter and I-20 for F-1 COS). Care Immigration Service provides a detailed, personalized document checklist.

Can my Change of Status application be denied?

Yes. USCIS can deny a COS application for various reasons including failing to maintain lawful status, working without authorization, filing late, not meeting the requirements of the new status, or having misrepresented information. If your COS is denied, you may need to depart the U.S. USCIS will explain the reason for denial in the denial notice.

What happens after USCIS approves my Change of Status?

After COS approval, USCIS will send an approval notice confirming your new status and the period of authorized stay. Your I-94 record should reflect the new status. Remember: COS approval does NOT give you a new visa stamp. When you travel internationally, you'll need to apply for the appropriate visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy abroad before re-entering.

Choose

Why Choose CareImmi?

Easy Online Intake

Complete your intake form from anywhere, anytime

Secure Client Portal

Your documents are protected with enterprise-grade security

Multilingual Support

We serve clients in multiple languages nationwide

Translation Services

Professional document translation available for all needs

Affordable Packages

Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Nationwide Service

Remote assistance available across all 50 states

Document Organization

Professional organization of your application package

Application Tracking

Monitor your application progress in real time

Important Disclaimer

Care Immigration Service LLC is a non-attorney document preparation service. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice, legal representation, legal strategy, or legal opinions. We assist with document preparation, administrative support, and translation services only. Immigration decisions are made solely by U.S. government agencies and consular officers.