Hi everyone, I spoke with Lawyer Keshab Ji, and given the current environment, he mentioned that TPS might get terminated soon. He suggested to switching to F-1 status. I would like to ask anyone here who has successfully changed their status from TPS to F-1 using Form I-539. I'm also looking to utilize premium processing (Form I-907) and would like to know if USCIS is currently approving applications for the change of status, as it is a costly process. Did you file through a lawyer, or did you complete the application on your own? I would greatly appreciate any insights from those who have gone through this process. Thank you in advance!
I think it is a little risky with the current political climate. First and foremost condition to apply for F1 is the intention to return to the home country after graduation. If you show any intent to stay in the USA permanently, then F1 visa is denied.
Since you are on TPS, you must have come here before 2015, and do not have any intention to return to Nepal. The application is more likely to be denied - at least with the current administration. It is still worth the try if you are not worried about spending ~5K.
My suggestion would be to consult with the attorney if COS is the viable option, but you don't need attorney to file the application. Application should be pretty straightforward, and it is not worth paying money for that.
Hope that helps!!
I did it after Trump terminated TPS in 2019. I did not use a lawyer but my dso did help me. I graduated my masters with TPS and then went to community college for associate degree and filed change of status. It was approved pretty quickly at that time. May be like 2 or 3 months. I did get lucky though, I got RFE from uscis as soon as I applied and they said I already was maintaining a valid F1 status even though my Sevis had been terminated for 2 years. I had to get a letter from my previous university saying I graduated with TPS and did not have active Sevis. They reinstated me like 2 days after that letter was delivered. Later when i applied for green card they never brought that up, only asked me if i had always maintain valid legal status and I was approved. So it can be done, good luck to you. You do have to write a cover letter explaining you timeline and why you could not maintain F1 status.
Thank you for your response. I agree that its a risky take, but there is no other choice. Taking the worst-case scenario into account, if TPS is terminated with 60 days like the DHS decision few days ago. The only potential non-immigrant status to change to is F-1. If you file for the standard Change of Status (COS) application, you may need to wait 4 to 5 months for a response. Even if the application is approved, you would be without a work permit during that period. Say, if the decision is made around the end of September, you would only be able to start school in the January session, which again means about 4 months of being idle. If anyone has successfully completed a Change of Status from TPS to F-1, any insights would be appreciated. Thanks
why are you filing standard COS, you need to file premium processing for COS if you want decision faster
Nepal ko TPS lai 2 mahina dincha ki 6 mahina dincha tyo Afghanistan ko TPS lawsuit bata tha huncha. Keep close eye to that case. Attorneys are arguing that DHS cannot randomly terminate TPS and there is a procedure to follow for providing notice and other technicalities.
Username619 is correct. The processing time for standard COS is showing more than 6 months. It might complete before that, but to avoid any risks use the premium processing unless you can't afford 3K.
I wanted to share the update. My case was denied. I spent 3K on the Change of Status application to F-1, and it got denied. F**K, I am so angry and frustrated right now. I understand that everyone’s case is different, but I want to advise against applying for premium processing. USCIS seems to be denying cases left and right these days. It's hard-earned money going down the drain.
Shit man, they didn’t even give you RFE? Just straight denied? What was the reason for denial? Did you use lawyer or just by yourself
Were you applying for undergraduate or graduate? What are your finances like? Did you show close tie to Nepal and your intention to return after graduation? If you can, please provide more information, so it will help others make informed decision.
@username619 No RFE. Straight denied. They sent a letter with the reason for the denial, which I haven't received yet. I applied by myself. If you have to apply, I would recommend filing for the normal COS. If TPS gets extended until December, you will have the decision before then.
@ShaniDev : Graduate. I showed my bank statements for finances. The college only issues an I-20 after you provide it with proof of finances. My recommendation to others is to either file for a status change now because the normal process takes 5-6 months, or just wait and watch. There is no guarantee on COS approval, and it's a lot of money just to throw away. I am looking for other options myself. What other status is there to change to?
Last edited: 01-Jun-25 07:26 PM
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15R8ecMMpN/ Join this tps group
@IamDj were you in F1 before you went to TPs, did you receive the rejection letter, wondering what was the reason for them to reject you ?
@Hanuman1 there is already a group made by Adhikaar. They have few 100s of members, I am not sure why we are creating another advocacy when Adhikaar is already a reputable non profit for Nepalese, and they are doing everything they can for TPS holders
@username619 I was in F-1 before and then went to TPS. I have travelled to Nepal twice on advance parole and was admitted under I-512T Travel authorization.
Reason for Denial of Change of Status: To qualify for a change of status to a non-immigrant status, you must have been admitted to the United States as a non-immigrant. TPS is not a nonimmigrant classification. Since you are not classified as a nonimmigrant, you are not eligible for the requested change of status.
damn, sucks to hear that.....i went to nepal when i had tps as well, but came back in f1, so probably because of that they approved it......
I guess the only option is consular processing in your case. I remember seeing TPS being valid non-immigrant status to convert to F1, but it seems like they removed TPS from the list. Don't waste money applying for the COS unless you're in the category listed in the document below.
TPS is not even in the list of current status. How did you even file?
http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/Nonimmigrant%20Class%20Who%20Can%20Study.pdf
Last edited: 03-Jun-25 11:01 AM
On the page of 10 of 1-539 instructions, it is mentioned that TPS can be changed to another non-immigrant status.@shanidev you are right there is no TPS category on the list because TPS is treated differently as a humanitarian status and I believe one can file I 539 paper application with I -20. The approval, denial of I 539 may depend on factors like cost, program and ties to the home country.
If they are denying saying TPS is non immigrant status, then I don’t think so ties to cost, program and home country matters…
@Username619 yo sab immigrants lai dukha deko ho. Aafai farkera jaaun bhanya ho. I think we need to create a thread about what can be done in Nepal to make life better in case people have to move to Nepal.
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