f1 visa / vistor visa

[the mum 0]

i have a f1 student visa but the collage has asked me to go 8 days before the f1 start date . the collage has told me not to worry the letter the send should be fine . but the should bit is worrying me . if i got a visitor visa for the 8 days would i need to leave the county before my f1 visa starts or would the collage be able to do that for me .

[Coco8 1,042]

You should check the date on the i-20 (the paper they gave you, not the visa stamp) You can enter U.S. within 30 days before program starting date on I-20 
 

You are not allowed to enter earlier than the 30 days. You cannot enter with a visitor visa. You will have to leave the US and get back in to activate your F1.

[the mum 0]

1 hour ago, Coco8 said:

You should check the date on the i-20 (the paper they gave you, not the visa stamp) You can enter U.S. within 30 days before program starting date on I-20 
 

You are not allowed to enter earlier than the 30 days. You cannot enter with a visitor visa. You will have to leave the US and get back in to activate your F1.

would i have to fly back home or can i go to a neighbouring county? can i fly to a different state?

[Coco8 1,042]

Many neighbouring countries do not qualify to change the visa status. Mexico and Canada do not work to change visas. States are in the US so obviously not. It is very hard to do and it will cost you a lot of money. 

 

Are you sure they are asking you to travel over 30 days before the date on your i-20? I think that would be odd because that would be in July and everyone is on holidays. 

 

I recommend you to tell them you cannot do that and refer them to the rule and tell them the date on your i-20. Don't go.