Tourist visa => F1?

[lalalacereza]

I have a 10 year tourist visa (B2) for the US. I'm going to get an F1 before I leave. As far as I can tell, an F1 only allows you to enter up to 30 days before your course's start date. I'd like to give myself six weeks -- I suffer terribly from jetlag, and know that the housing market is tight by the middle/end of July.

So I'd like to enter on my B2, and then switch over to the F1 while I'm there. Is this feasible? Possible? I haven't googled up anything about this.

Another question is about expired passports. If I get a visa in my current one and it expires, do I need to get a new one in my renewed passport, or do I just carry them both?

And for the bonus round, if I enter on passport A from country X and it expires while I'm there, could I travel in and out of the country on valid passport B from country Y, presenting the valid visa in expired passport A? This last question may be too much of a stretch for anyone to understand, let alone answer!

[ppnr]

So I'd like to enter on my B2, and then switch over to the F1 while I'm there. Is this feasible? Possible? I haven't googled up anything about this.

I don't think you can do this, I'm not sure what country you are from but most of the international students have to get/change visa type from the U.S.Embassy in their country.

Another question is about expired passports. If I get a visa in my current one and it expires, do I need to get a new one in my renewed passport, or do I just carry them both?

In my case, I used to carry them both.

For a better answer, I think you should check with the University's international office, usually the staff there deal with immigration issue of international students.

[luvalicious]

So I'd like to enter on my B2, and then switch over to the F1 while I'm there. Is this feasible? Possible?

I believe it's possible but probably not feasible on a six-week timeline because of the backlogs/processing times. What I have read, (and you would of course want to verify this with an immigration lawyer, international student's office, or consulate) is that you can enter the U.S. on a B2 and tell the port of entry official that you are a prospective student, and present your I-20. You want to get an I-94 which is marked "prospective student," otherwise you might be unable to change your status from B2 to F1unless you leave the U.S.

In general, this is a lengthy and often-times difficult process and it would be alot easier from that perspective if you came in on the F1 because there is no guarantee that once you are here, your change of status would be granted - and you cannot begin school until that status is approved. Although I understand that the 30 day entry would not be ideal for you, the alternative may not be a risk you are willing to take.

The other questions, I don't know; although his passport has expired my boyfriend has never left the U.S. since he's been here.

Hope that helped.

[SuzR]

Which state will you be in? I'm in the same boat and planning on just driving up to Canada to leave the country and then re-entering from there. Though that's only conveniant if you're in a state nearish the border (I'll be in NY)

[lalalacereza]

Thanks for the replies. I'll be in NC. I'm just going to have to get there 29 days before classes start!

[magamago]

Hi guys, I am in a similar situation. I would to arrive before, say 8 weeks before first day of class. Moreover, I wanted to takepart in a language course, but of course, it wont be possible with a tourist visa.

Just a question, my country has a visa waiver program, so I do not require "formally" the Visa to enter in the US. But say,for example, I will get my F1 Visa at the end of June (where is stated, of course, that I am allowed to enter the US at the beginning of August only). Then, in July, I travel to the US with my "Visa waiver program", so a theoretical tourist Visa. Then, since I am in NY, in August I will travel to Canada and reenter showing my F1 Visa.

Well, I know it is alittle complicated, but do you think I can do it? I mean, anyone know if it is legal? :roll:

Thanks !!!!

[SuzR]

I don't see any problem in re-entering the country from Canada. People who live in Canada already on a different visa are allowed to the enter the US with their F1, as long as they get an I-94 at the port of entry (which is free if you enter via a plane or $10 if you enter via land - not much!) I don't think there's any confirmation that it's legal anywhere, as I guess they don't really want people doing that...but it all seems legal enough to me! However if you want to follow the official advice, this is what the US Department of State site says:

A beginning student who wants an earlier entry into the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the course start date), must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa. A prospective student notation will be shown on his/her visitor visa and the traveler will need to make the intent to study clear to the U.S. immigration inspector at port of entry. Before beginning any studies, he or she must obtain a change of classification, filing Form I-539, Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status, and also submit the required Form I-20 to the Department of Homeland Security office where the application is made. Please be aware that there is an additional fee of $140 for this process, and that one may not begin studies until the change of classification is approved.

The only problem with that is the expense, as it said that it costs $300 to file the I-539...But hope that all helps everyone!

[brooks]

I have a B type visa too. When getting a F1, is B1 expired?(cause mine expires normally in 2017) i plan to use my B1 for traveling to US after I graduate.

another question: my college is in IL but before going there I want to visit my uncle in virginia, is it a problem to enter the country from an airport which is not located in where i will be studying?

thanks guys

[lalalacereza]

I have a B type visa too. When getting a F1, is B1 expired?(cause mine expires normally in 2017) i plan to use my B1 for traveling to US after I graduate.

You sure that's possible?