What is the difference between ‘Maintain Status’ and ‘Change of Status’?

When speaking about visas in the United States, especially for those on a P visa, it is common to encounter terms such as ”Maintain Status” and ”Change of Status”. These terms refer to distinct situations regarding the stay or alteration of immigration status while in the country.

”Maintain Status” means to keep the current immigration status according to the terms of the granted visa, complying with the conditions and limitations imposed, such as the period of stay and permitted activities.

”Change of Status” refers to the process of requesting a change of immigration status with USCIS to modify the purpose of the stay, making it essential to continue respecting the conditions of the original status until the final decision.

It is fundamental to strictly follow immigration laws and regulations, seek updated information from official channels, and take care of the documentation to avoid complications. Understanding these differences is essential for P visa holders who wish to maintain legality during their stay in the US.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.