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!

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?

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.

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.

USCIS ko website ma Non-I immigrant ko list ma TPS chaina(shanidev le mathi link pani denubhako cha. Tesma non-immigrant who can study ma TPS chaina. Tara I 539 instructions ma TPS can apply for f1 bhaneko cha.Khai K Khai K. Sajha anusar kasai ko I 539 approve ra kasiko dispprove bhako ko bhaera leknu bhako cha. Proabably, I will get I 20 next week. Recently, did anyone got TPS to f1 approve or disapprove ? Purai rule change gareko bhaye kina apply garne(TPS to f1) ?. Further USICS bata approve (TPS to f1) nabahi based on recently issued I 20 bata driving license, state ID renew huncha ki hundaina ? Any idea ?

So far, I haven’t come across any cases where a Change of Status (COS) from TPS to F-1 using Form I-539 has been approved. I've seen three applications denied, with the main reason being that “TPS is not a nonimmigrant visa and therefore cannot be changed to F-1.” It’s possible this was mistakenly included in the I-539 instructions, or perhaps USCIS is reviewing the I-94 and denying cases where the class of admission isn’t F-1. Either way, TPS isn’t listed among the eligible nonimmigrant statuses here:

Thank you username619 for your feedback. I think it's time to start wrapping things up.
Still, it there any chance that lawsuit will be filed in federal court by Adhikar or others and TPS will be extended for six months because the gov did not give 60 days notice ahead. Still Bhattari Vs Nelson case is active ? I am not sure what's going on with the lawsuit for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti etc ? So, most of the TPS countries do not have any options? Have you guys started selling vehicles, transferring funds, selling furnitures etc ?

I know Adhikaar is currently working on preparing litigation, lets see what happens on that...and also there is a new advocay facebook tps group United TPS for Nepal something like that, i heard that they are also working on filing litigation.....we have to wait and see what happens...i think for cameroon, and afgan, the lawsuit has been filed, they are waiting for hearing i think......

i was planning to pack things up selling vehicles and stuff, but luckily my F1 got reinstated so for now i guess i will be going to school as a backup plan, may be in future, who knows

Kaam gardaina litigation fitigation le . Sappai thau ma suntalakaa munchhey haru chhan. Sakyo aba

Thank you for your update user619. It seems Lamdj case in denied in less than 2 weeks. My case is quite similar. came on f1 graduated in master in math. I travelled on advance parole (I-131) in 2022. I think there is no point of doing TPS to f1.
I truly enjoy teaching part- time in us univ and colleges. Though payment is OK but so much freedom . Though Nepali students are wild and payment is less, I will do the same profession there. ali ali saving interest aahucha hola.interest is going down in nepal. I do not have any idea of business or anything else. Life garo po huncha ki ? 1,2 barsa aru kam garna man thiyo us ma. But it is OK.