How to Change Your Visa Type After Arriving in a Foreign Country

Changing your visa type after arriving is possible in many countries—but strict rules, time limits, and eligibility criteria apply. This guide explains when and how you can switch visa categories (often called a “change of status” or “onshore application”), the documents you’ll need, costs and timelines to expect, and key rules for Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Schengen Area. Always check official guidance and, where appropriate, consult a licensed migration professional before applying.

Can You Change Your Visa Type After Arrival? #

In principle, many immigration systems allow in-country applications to move from one temporary visa category to another (for example, visitor to student). However, three factors can stop you:

• Your current visa conditions (e.g., “No Further Stay” in Australia—condition 8503 or similar).
• Any immigration breaches (overstay, work violations), which may trigger bars such as Australia’s Section 48 or make you ineligible for “change of status” in the US.
• Country rules requiring you to apply from outside the country (common in the Schengen Area).

Before you act, confirm your current visa conditions and expiry date on the relevant government system (e.g., Australia’s VEVO: https://online.immi.gov.au/evo/firstParty).

Quick Steps: How to Change Your Visa Type After Arrival #

1. Confirm eligibility and conditions: Read official guidance for your target visa and check your current visa conditions (e.g., Australia: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/).
2. Choose the right pathway: Identify the correct subclass/category and whether you can apply in-country or must leave and apply offshore.
3. Prepare documents: Passport, biometrics, proof of funds, insurance, health checks, English tests (if required), offer letters/contracts, and evidence of genuine intent.
4. Apply before expiry: Lodge online and pay the correct fee. Keep records of confirmations and receipts.
5. Do not travel unless allowed: Travel can abandon certain in-country applications or cancel bridging/temporary status.
6. Maintain lawful status: Use bridging/visitor records or timely extensions to avoid unlawful stay.

Country-Specific Highlights #

Australia #

Australia allows many “onshore” applications if your visa conditions permit. When you lodge a valid onshore application, you’re typically granted a Bridging Visa (usually a BVA) that keeps you lawful while your new visa is processed. Learn more: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/bridging-visa.

• Check your conditions: A “No Further Stay” condition (8503/8534/8535) generally prevents onshore applications. See conditions: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/see-your-visa-conditions.
• Section 48 bar: If your visa was refused or cancelled onshore, you may be restricted in applying for most visas while in Australia. Details: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/immigration-history-protecting-australias-borders/section-48.
• Travel cautions: A BVA generally does not allow travel; you may need a BVB to depart/return without affecting your application.
• Common switches: Visitor to Student; Student to Graduate; Temporary Graduate to Skilled or Employer-Sponsored, subject to eligibility.

United States #

In the US, an in-country “Change of Status” is requested using Form I-539 for many nonimmigrant categories. Guidance and forms: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/i-539-application-to-extendchange-nonimmigrant-status.

• Eligibility: You must be in lawful status, file before your current status expires, and avoid unauthorized work or study.
• Travel impact: Departing the US while I-539 is pending can abandon the request; re-entry may require a new visa at a consulate.
• Timing: Processing may be lengthy; premium options vary by category.

United Kingdom #

The UK allows “switching” between certain categories from inside the UK, while other cases require an out-of-country application. Start with official guidance: https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa.

• Many can switch to Student or Skilled Worker if requirements are met; visitors generally cannot switch to work routes from inside the UK (exceptions apply).
• Apply before visa expiry; biometric appointment may be required.

Canada #

Canada permits in-Canada extensions and, in some cases, changes between visitor, student, and worker status. See IRCC guidance: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay.html.

• Maintain status by applying before expiry; if you lose status, you may be able to restore within a limited period.
• Some categories require applying from outside Canada; check program-specific rules and LMIA/offer requirements for work routes.

Schengen Area (EU) #

Most short-stay (C) visa holders cannot switch to a long-stay visa from inside the Schengen Area; you typically must apply from your home country. Country-level exceptions exist for specific purposes. Official overview: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/schengen-visa_en.

Documents You’ll Likely Need #

• Valid passport and recent photos; biometrics (if required).
• Proof of lawful stay and entry (current visa, arrival record).
• Evidence for the new visa: offer letter/enrolment (study/work), qualifications, CV, skills assessments or RPL where applicable, and proof of genuine intent.
• Financial evidence: bank statements, sponsorship, insurance/OSHC (for students in Australia).
• Health checks and police clearances (as required).
• Translations of non-English documents by accredited translators.

Costs, Timing, and Travel Impacts #

• Fees: Government charges vary by country and visa type. Budget additionally for medicals, biometrics, translations, and couriering passports (if requested).
• Processing times: Expect weeks to months depending on category and season. Always apply early and before your current visa expires.
• Travel: Many in-country applications are invalidated if you depart. In Australia, a Bridging Visa B may be needed to travel; in the US, travel may abandon an I‑539. Check rules carefully before booking trips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid #

• Applying after your current visa expires (leading to unlawful stay).
• Ignoring restrictive conditions like “No Further Stay.”
• Assuming a visitor visa can always switch to work—often it cannot.
• Providing insufficient evidence of genuine intent (especially for student visas).
• Working or studying without authorization while you wait.
• Travelling while an in-country application is pending without the correct travel permission.

How Skills Campus Supports Your Pathway #

Skills Campus helps you select the right study or skills pathway, align your eligibility evidence, and connect you with trusted, registered migration professionals for formal immigration advice and visa lodgement. From course selection and enrolment to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and documentation, we streamline your switch—especially if you’re pursuing study or skilled migration options in Australia.

Important: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For tailored visa guidance, engage a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer in your destination country.

Ready to explore your next step? Visit https://skillscampus.com.au/ or contact our team today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.