Can I use Visa Waiver to extend my student visa without leaving the country?
Say, for example, I had a student visa that allowed me to stay in America from September to February. Would I then be able to come in August on a Visa Waiver to America, and then when September comes around, would it then just switch over automatically to my student visa as I begin my school, without leaving the country?
Or would I have to leave the country and then come back to begin my stay as approved by my student visa? I would like to visit some family before I start school, but don't know if I am able to use the Visa Waiver for that stay.
Best Answer
No, for a couple of reasons. The first is that status doesn't change automatically; you have to apply and pay a fee of a few hundred dollars.
The second is that VWP visitors are generally ineligible to file change-of-status applications. Instead, you have two options:
Arrive no earlier than 30 days before the start of your program and enter using your student visa.
Arrive earlier than 30 days before the start of your program, enter using the VWP, leave the country, and reenter (no more than 30 days before your program starts) using your student visa.
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How do I extend my stay in USA on Visa Waiver Program?
To request this extension of stay, you should schedule an InfoPass appointment with a USCIS officer using USCIS' website, uscis.gov. At this appointment, you should provide documentation and any other evidence to the USCIS officer to support your need to extend your Visa Waiver stay.How many times can I use the Visa Waiver Program?
There is no limit on the number of times you may enter the U.S. under either ESTA of a visa.How long can you stay on a visa waiver?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.How can I extend my student visa in USA?
If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires.About Visa Waiver Program | How to travel in US without a visa | Visa Waiver Program USA 2021 | DHS
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