andrewfaniku

Quickest way to change my F1 visa to a J1 ?

What is the Quickest way to change my F1 visa to a J1 ?


I am a British citizen on an F1 visa in America. I obtained my visa in England. I would like to find out if I need to come back to the embassy in England to get a J1 visa which I need for my residency training or should I just apply for a transfer of visa status here in America?



I am supposed to resume residency training by June 25th. I would like to find out how long the process takes if I file an application in America compared to if I come to the embassy in England.

My lawyer couldn’t answer these questions. I need to know the quickest route to changing my F1 visa to a J1.


Sincerely,

Andrew

ian-mstm

You don't necessarily need to return to England... you just need to be outside the US inasmuch as you can't actually get a visa while you are inside the US.


This is probably the easiest thing to do... but you will remain landlocked. IOW, a change of status does not act as a valid travel document. If you plan on remaining in the US for the duration of your J-1, it's not an issue. If you do plan on travelling, then once you leave the US, you must visit a US Embassy to get the "real" J-1 visa.

Ian

andrewfaniku

Thank you Ian, i was also at your blog website , loved some of your articles,esp the one on meaning of family. felt your article on christianity was too critical. i'll suggest you read mere christianity by CS Lewis. After Jesus' death. his disciples were disappointed in him, Peter denied him, they thought that for all his power and authority , he couldnt stand up to his persecutors. there was only one reason they could make a 180 degree turn from a depressed group into an actively evangelizing group-he rose! That was too mind boggling that Thomas even doubted him when he saw him life. This is still the most wonderful story ever told

crg

The first step is to get the SEVIS DS-2019 from your J-1 sponsor. You may not have enough time to get the change of status approved before June 25.

ian-mstm

Thanks... but I don't really care about your opinion on my beliefs.

Ian

AdobePinon

Perhaps he's already a US citizen and just never realized it.

Ozzidoc

Which specialty? Good luck!