What does a nonimmigrant have to show or prove to enter the U.S.?
Nonimmigrants enter the U.S. for a temporary period of time, and once in the U.S. they are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visa was issued. They may have more than one type of nonimmigrant visa, but are admitted in only one status.

General requirements for foreign nationals seeking temporary admission include, but are not limited to:

• The purpose of the visit must be temporary.
• The foreign national must agree to depart at the end of his/her authorized stay or extension.
• The foreign national must be in possession of a valid passport.
• A foreign residence must be maintained by the foreign national, in most instances.
• The foreign national may be required to show proof of financial support.
• The foreign national must be admissable or have obtained a waiver for any ground of inadmissability.
• The foreign national must abide by the terms and conditions of admission.

• He/she is lawfully admitted into the United States as a nonimmigrant in a category that is not ineligible for an extension; and
• He/she has not committed any act which would make him/her ineligible for an extension; and
• He/she submits the application for an extension of stay before the current authorized stay expires.

How do I change my nonimmigrant status?
If you are a nonimmigrant, you may qualify for a change of nonimmigrant status if you are:

• Lawfully maintaining present nonimmigrant status in a category that is not ineligible for a change in status;
• Eligible according to immigration regulations for the requested nonimmigrant status; and
• Have not violated any law which would prevent this benefit.