ETSA and Visa F-1

[Finnou 0]

Hi,

I'm a french student and I want to make a PhD at the University of Iowa. I have to meet my futur advisor in few weeks and ask for a Student Visa (F-1) to enter the Iowa University in early January 2013.

My question is: can I ask for a ETSA (travel in the US less than 90 days without a Visa) and ask for a Student Visa (F-1)? Indeed, it is indicated that I can't change my visitor statu with a ETSA. But if I stay only few days in the US, could I enter the US in early Janury with a F-1 Visa (if provided)?

I'm afraid that I can't ask for another Visa before 90 days after the obtainment of the ETSA. Am I wrong ?

Sorry if the question was asked before, I didn't found it.

Thank you !

Finn

[Boiler 45,525]

VWP would be ideal for your purposes.

[Finnou 0]

Well, by ETSA I meant VWP. The ESTA is the system that gives you the permittion to travel to US without a VISA.

It is for travelers that wants to remain less than 90 days, but I don't know if I can ask for a F-1 Visa before the end of this 90 days.

Thank you

[jaycali 415]

Well, by ETSA I meant VWP. The ESTA is the system that gives you the permittion to travel to US without a VISA. It is for travelers that wants to remain less than 90 days, but I don't know if I can ask for a F-1 Visa before the end of this 90 days.Thank you

Oui oui, you can. ESTA isn't a visa, it's just an electronic authorization to travel. Those 90 days are just the amount of time you can be in the US as a tourist. You can apply for an F-1 visa at any time - it has nothing to do with the ESTA or the VWP.

The only restriction is that you can't change status from inside the US.

A visa is an authorization to enter an airplane and ask the CBP (those guys who stamp your passport) to be allowed into the country. Once you enter, you are given an immigration status (for example tourist, student, worker etc). You cannot change this status while you are inside the US from tourist to student, however, you can leave, and come back the next day on a different visa which will grant you a new status - in your case as a student. Your plan sounds good, have a great trip and good luck on your phd program!

I did this back in 2004. Entered as a tourist on the VWP for a month vacation. Left and came back a week later as a student.

Edited October 16, 2012 by Jay Jay