J-1 Visa for another Student Visa

[RaPi 0]

I just signed in the VisaJourney and dont know if this is the right way to have answers, if this is not the place I apologize.

I'm in US with a J-1 visa because i got a scholarship. They allow me to spend one year in US and then I have to go back home and spend 2 years there before come back to US.

I've heard that i can postpone these 2 years if I get another scholarship or find a job here.

In these cases, how do I change my visa? Or who does that?

Thank you!

[ChrisPG 30]

I just signed in the VisaJourney and dont know if this is the right way to have answers, if this is not the place I apologize.

I'm in US with a J-1 visa because i got a scholarship. They allow me to spend one year in US and then I have to go back home and spend 2 years there before come back to US.

I've heard that i can postpone these 2 years if I get another scholarship or find a job here.

In these cases, how do I change my visa? Or who does that?

Thank you!

This is the wrong section and I am sure it will be moved shortly, however to answer your question the two-year residency agreement doesn't apply if you wish to change your status to an F1 or extend your stay as a J1.

The two year residency agreement only affects your ability to obtain an H, L (work visas) or an immigrant visa.

To change your status to an F1 from within the U.S. simply file Form I-539 with your I-20 and any other required documentation.

Edited March 18, 2012 by ChrisPG

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Just to clarify: the 2-year HRR does apply, but you can postpone it to change to another non-immigrant category. You will have to do it eventually, though.