Changing status from J1 to F1

[v_student 0]

I entered the States with a J1 visa, it expires on the 17 of October (working part of visa), and after that I have a 30-day-grace period(travel part). So I guess that I'm authorized to stay here until the16 of November.

The two year rule does not apply. I came on a work and travel program, so I have been working for about 3.5 months. It's the so called "culture exchange program, getting to know american way of life, meeting new culture, traveling"

The reason why I came here was to improve my english and to travel.

I am now trying to change my visa status from J1 to F1. I applied at a language school thru a university in California and classes start in first couple weeks of January 2012. Courses last for almost 5 months; they teach you academic english and prepare you for the TOEFL. I want and need all that to further my education.

Since I'm already here in the States, the the application process is different. They called me today and the first thing they asked me was "what is your status?" and after that they asked me who was going to do my application for my new status, to which I then replied " myself." Towards the end of the conversation, they told me that changing my status from J1 to F1 would take 4-6 months or even more! I'm in California and on the USCIS website processing shows that i539 should take about 2.5 months!

I know all the documents that I must submit, i94, i20, i539, ds2019, copy of entry stamp, first bio page of my passport, cover letter, sevis, bank statments, etc. However, they suggested me to take the i20 and set up all from here and then to go back to my country and to apply from there for the new F1 visa.

But the thing is that I would rather do all from here, even if I have to wait 4 or 6 months. So according to them, I would not make it for January term, so now I'm thinking to apply for the term in March, so it's like 5 months from now, I hope that's enough time to get decision from USCIS.

My question is, do I change my status on J1 from the moment I get the NOA? Do I have to stop working right then?

Has anyone here had a different J visa experience? I mean, changing from J1 to F1? AND, what I should expect? Can anyone share their experience? I would like to hear about time processing times? How long does it usually take to change from J1 to F1 from inside the States?

[milimelo 4,481]

And you have a problem returning to your home country and getting the F-1 visa via regular channels why?

Yes, you do have to STOP working as soon as your J-1 visa ends. Grace period does not allow you to continue working - it's time for you to spend traveling around the country before your departure.

F-1 also doesn't give you work authorization and when it does, it's for 20-hrs ON CAMPUS work.