From tourist to student: change of status to F-1, planned the right way.
We find a school that fits your plan and handle your enrollment. Our partner law firm reviews your case and files the change of status with USCIS.
Academic consulting, not legal advice. Immigration legal work is done by our partner law firm.
A change of status is possible. Timing is everything.
If you're in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa, you may be able to request a change to F-1 without leaving the country. It's a legal process with strict timing: your I-94 date, your school's start date and USCIS processing all have to line up. That's why we work in two teams. We handle the school. Licensed attorneys handle the law.
How we help
Free consultation
We learn your situation, your goals and your key dates.
Attorney review
Our partner law firm evaluates whether a change of status fits your case.
The right school
We shortlist institutions whose start dates and programs fit your timeline.
Enrollment and I-20
We handle your application until the school issues your I-20.
Legal filing
Our partner attorneys prepare and file the change of status with USCIS and follow your case.
Why your school choice matters here
The school has to issue an I-20 that fits your timeline, and you may need to show you can pay for your studies. Hybrid and lower-cost options in our network can make the plan realistic.
Who does what
Ampara
- School selection
- Enrollment
- I-20 follow-up
- Document organization
- Translations
Partner law firm
- Eligibility review
- Legal strategy
- The change of status filing (Form I-539)
- Answers to USCIS requests
- Legal advice
Can I change from a tourist visa to F-1 inside the U.S.?
In many cases it's possible, but it depends on your history, your dates and your intentions when you entered. Only an attorney can evaluate your case. Our partner law firm does that.
Can I start classes while my change of status is pending?
Generally, you can't start full F-1 studies until the change is approved. Your school and our partner attorneys plan your start date around that.
How long does USCIS take?
Processing times change often and can take many months. Check the current times on uscis.gov. Your attorney will plan around them.
What if my I-94 is about to expire?
Contact us now. Deadlines here are serious, and our partner attorneys need time to review your case.
Should I just leave and apply from Brazil?
Sometimes that's the better route. Our partner attorneys will tell you which path fits your case.
Related guides
Short, sourced guides on the topics students ask us about most.
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F-1 Visa Requirements: The Complete 2026 Checklist
The F-1 visa requirements, step by step and in the right order, from your school acceptance and Form I-20 to the consulate interview. Plain English, official sources.
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Work7 min readUpdated Sep 2026
Can You Work on an F-1 Visa? What Is Allowed and What Is Not
Yes, F-1 students can work, but only in specific, authorized ways. Here is what is allowed, what needs permission first, and what can cost you your status.
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Academic consulting, not legal advice. Immigration legal work is done by our partner law firm.
