Change of Visa Status

[lfc2013 0]

So I'm Brazilian and next year I'll be attending school in the US. I already got accepted and received my I-20 form. I know I can enter the country 30 days prior to the date indicated in the form (August 10th), so I could move there July 10th. However, I have plans on moving there next March given the fact that I'm renting an apartment rather than staying in the dorms. I know I have to apply for the two Visas, B-2 and F-1, but my question is: when I get to the US in March with my B-2 Visa lasting for 6 months, how early should I apply for the change to the F-1? I hope I made myself clear and that you guys can help me. Thanks

[RICARDO4EVA2 194]

So I'm Brazilian and next year I'll be attending school in the US. I already got accepted and received my I-20 form. I know I can enter the country 30 days prior to the date indicated in the form (August 10th), so I could move there July 10th. However, I have plans on moving there next March given the fact that I'm renting an apartment rather than staying in the dorms. I know I have to apply for the two Visas, B-2 and F-1, but my question is: when I get to the US in March with my B-2 Visa lasting for 6 months, how early should I apply for the change to the F-1? I hope I made myself clear and that you guys can help me. Thanks

from what i know a change of visa status from b2 to f1 is a high high incidence of denial.. likely not approved. keeep in mind that ALTHOUGH you have an approved i-120.. you still have to seek THE VISA.. having the approved i-20.. is a great start - doesn't guarantee an approval. USCIS is not kind to a "rapid" chance of status and will likely deny you... in other words dont mis-represent the use of the B1/B2 visa

best to you

[lfc2013 0]

from what i know a change of visa status from b2 to f1 is a high high incidence of denial.. likely not approved. keeep in mind that ALTHOUGH you have an approved i-120.. you still have to seek THE VISA.. having the approved i-20.. is a great start - doesn't guarantee an approval. USCIS is not kind to a "rapid" chance of status and will likely deny you... in other words dont mis-represent the use of the B1/B2 visa

best to you

First of all, thanks for your answer. But I think I didn't make myself clear, I'm applying for both Visas while here, so I'll know if they get denied here at the Port of Entry. I'm gonna make it clear: B-2 with intention of F-1. All I wanted to know was the wait time, and I found it on the internet (120 days). Wish me luck!

[RICARDO4EVA2 194]

Best of luck... But remember ..."there is no b2 with intention of f1 to the U.S immigration system." Again Still- I wish u luck. Good night

[lfc2013 0]

Best of luck... But remember ..."there is no b2 with intention of f1 to the U.S immigration system." Again Still- I wish u luck. Good night

It' called "dual intent."

"A student who has a 'prospective student' endorsement or annotation on his/her B-2 visa should routinely be able to obtain a change to F-1 status. If an individual planning to visit the United States thinks there is any chance he/she might want to attend school in the U.S., when applying for a Visitor's visa a "prospective student" endorsement should be requested. This would be noted directly on the visa, so that if the individual does apply for a change in status there is little chance that Immigration might deny the request . . . at least, not for "preconceived intent" to attend school."

[Asgardian 38]

Also remember that having a B1/B2 visa does not automatically give you a 6-month period of stay approved. That will be given to you at the Port Of Entry, when you arrive at customs in the US. It can be less. When you said you will have your visa approved or not at the "Port of Entry" I think you meant at the consulate.

B2 visa with an annotation of "prospective student" means that you will be looking at universities in the US, it does not mean you should arrive there with an approved I-20 already. If you enter with an approved I-20 under B2 visa, then you ask for a change of status right away, you will be misrepresenting your reasons for wishing to enter the US. Most likely all status changes applied for between 30 to 60 days of arrival are denied based on that. You look that up on the web, you'll find a lot of info.

I really think you should only apply for your F1 and arrive there the 30 days before. IF you decide to go with the B2, do so but wait those 60 days to try the change of status. Good luck!

[RICARDO4EVA2 194]

Also remember that having a B1/B2 visa does not automatically give you a 6-month period of stay approved. That will be given to you at the Port Of Entry, when you arrive at customs in the US. It can be less. When you said you will have your visa approved or not at the "Port of Entry" I think you meant at the consulate.

B2 visa with an annotation of "prospective student" means that you will be looking at universities in the US, it does not mean you should arrive there with an approved I-20 already. If you enter with an approved I-20 under B2 visa, then you ask for a change of status right away, you will be misrepresenting your reasons for wishing to enter the US. Most likely all status changes applied for between 30 to 60 days of arrival are denied based on that. You look that up on the web, you'll find a lot of info.

I really think you should only apply for your F1 and arrive there the 30 days before. IF you decide to go with the B2, do so but wait those 60 days to try the change of status. Good luck!