Zenith Blue

Has anyone ever gone through the process of changing status while in the country, from B2 to F1? I'm looking at this as a possible option for me some time either this year or next summer, and I've read conflicting opinions on how easy, hard, or even possible it is to complete a change of status without actually leaving the country. And advice or experiences would be helpful, thanks!

ian-mstm

Generally speaking, it's a fairly simple process to change status within the US. If successful, you will be landlocked. If you leave the US you must appear at a US Consulate in order to get the actual visa in your passport (which may, by itself, be a problem)... but if you don't ever plan on leaving the US, as long as you have proof of the change of status, you'll be fine.

Now, that said, it is probably not a good idea to do what you plan... it'll be really difficult to demonstrate your intent to leave the US (when you arrive on the B-2) when your actual intent is to remain in the US and change your status.

It's all about intent... and having now asked the question, you can't now deny that the thought was in your mind!

Ian

Zenith Blue

What you're saying makes a lot of sense, I'm thinking the most sensible thing to do would be to go back to london and apply for a student visa there at the right time, probably in advance of next september's start date.