A “Letter to USCIS for Change of Visa Status” asks the U.S. government to switch your current visa to a different one. You might need this if you’re in the U.S. legally. Perhaps you started as a tourist. Now, you have a job offer. This letter is a key part of your application.
Are you stuck on drafting this letter? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We will share letter templates. We will also share examples and samples.
This article provides samples. Use them to easily write your own letter. Tailor them to your specific needs. Make the process simpler and more efficient.
Letter To Uscis For Change Of Visa Status
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Request for Change of Visa Status from [Your Current Visa Status] to [Desired Visa Status]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request a change of my non-immigrant visa status. I am currently in the United States under a [Your Current Visa Status] visa, which is valid until [Date of Visa Expiration]. My [Current Visa Status] visa was granted for the purpose of [Briefly explain the purpose of your current visa, e.g., studying at a university, working for a company].
I am now requesting a change of status to [Desired Visa Status]. The reason for this request is [Clearly and concisely explain why you need to change your visa status. Be specific, e.g., I have received a job offer from a company that requires an H-1B visa, I have been accepted into a full-time degree program and need an F-1 visa].
I have enclosed all the required documentation to support my application, including:
- Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
- Copy of my Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
- Copy of my current visa
- Copy of my passport
- [List any other supporting documents, such as offer letter from employer, acceptance letter from school, financial documents, etc.]
I believe that I meet all the eligibility requirements for the [Desired Visa Status] visa. I am prepared to provide any additional information or documentation that you may require to process my application.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
How to Write Letter To Uscis For Change of Visa Status
Subject Line: Clarity is Paramount
- Begin with a succinct and unambiguous subject line.
- Example: “Request for Change of Visa Status – [Your Current Visa Type] to [Desired Visa Type] – [Your Name] – [Your USCIS Receipt Number]”
- A well-defined subject line expedites the triage process.
Salutation: Formality Matters
- Address the USCIS with appropriate formality.
- Acceptable: “To Whom It May Concern,” or “United States Citizenship and Immigration Services,”
- Avoid overly casual greetings.
Introduction: State Your Intentions Clearly
- The introductory paragraph should articulate your purpose explicitly.
- Specify your current visa status and the visa for which you are applying to change.
- Include your full name, A-number (if applicable), and date of birth for identification.
- For instance: “I am writing to formally request a change of my current visa status from [Current Visa Type] to [Desired Visa Type]. My name is [Your Full Name], my A-number is [Your A-Number], and my date of birth is [Your Date of Birth].”
Body Paragraphs: Substantiate Your Request
- Divide the body into concise paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of your eligibility.
- Detail the reasons for the requested change. Be forthcoming and factual.
- Emphasize unique qualifications, eschewing superfluous details.
- If applicable, expound on compelling and exigent circumstances.
- Provide a chronological account of relevant events, supporting your narrative with documented evidence.
Supporting Documentation: Underpin Your Claims
- Mention all enclosed documents.
- Enumerate each document in a separate line, for instance:
- Copy of Form I-94
- Copy of Current Visa
- Evidence of Eligibility for Desired Visa (e.g., job offer letter)
- Etc.
- Assure completeness and accuracy; lacunae can engender delays.
Request for Action: Crystallize Your Objective
- Clearly state the action you are requesting.
- Example: “I respectfully request that you approve my application for a change of visa status from [Current Visa Type] to [Desired Visa Type].”
- Reiterate your willingness to provide any additional information or documentation deemed necessary.
Closing: Courteous and Professional Demeanor
- Conclude with a formal closing, such as “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,”
- Include your typed name, signature (if submitting a physical copy), phone number, and email address.
- Proofread assiduously for any errors before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions: Letter to USCIS for Change of Visa Status
This section addresses common inquiries regarding letters submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of visa status.
Understanding the process is crucial for a smooth and successful application.
1. What is the purpose of a letter to USCIS when applying for a change of visa status?
The letter serves as a formal explanation of your reasons for requesting a change of visa status, outlining your eligibility and intentions.
2. What key information should be included in the letter?
The letter should include your personal details, current visa status, requested visa status, reasons for the change, and evidence supporting your eligibility.
3. How formal should the tone of the letter be?
The letter should maintain a formal and professional tone, using clear and concise language, and avoiding slang or informal expressions.
4. Is it mandatory to submit a letter with the change of status application?
While not always explicitly required, a well-written letter significantly strengthens your application by providing context and clarity to USCIS.
5. What happens if the letter contains inaccurate or misleading information?
Providing inaccurate or misleading information can lead to delays, denial of the application, and potentially, future immigration complications.
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