B1/B2 Visa and then J-1 Visa allowed?

[aventura900 0]

Hi there: I'm curious if it's okay to get a B1/B2 visa, live in the U.S. for 4 months (not working), and then apply for a J-1 or H1B Cap-Exempt visa through an academic institution. Would this cause any problems or raise any red flags? Thank you so much. 

[Boiler 45,389]

More logical to do a shorter trip on the VWP. Then do you J1 whatever.

[milimelo 4,467]

Oh I get it now - saw the other topic. OP, you're not going to get B1/B2 when you have VWP privileges you can apply for - don't even go there as if they refuse you your VWP goes bye bye. Stick to visiting on VWP for under 90 days and make it work. And no, VWP is for visiting, there's no living in the US allowed. 

[aventura900 0]

My only concern is getting the academic institution/employer's J1/H1B within 3 months of being in the US. 6 months under B1/B2 would give more breathing room. Thoughts on this? 

[Dashinka 24,428]

3 minutes ago, aventura900 said:

My only concern is getting the academic institution/employer's J1/H1B within 3 months of being in the US. 6 months under B1/B2 would give more breathing room. Thoughts on this? 

My thoughts are that the risk is too great.  Getting a B2 from a VWP country is already fairly difficult especially when the only reason is to stay more than 90 days (which is not guaranteed as it is at the discretion of the CBP officer) which would sound a little fishy to CO evaluating the B2 application.  Whatever, it is your choice, but know the risks.

[Boiler 45,389]

29 minutes ago, aventura900 said:

My only concern is getting the academic institution/employer's J1/H1B within 3 months of being in the US. 6 months under B1/B2 would give more breathing room. Thoughts on this? 

You do not need to be in the US at all, do they require an in person interview?

[SalishSea 17,766]

1 hour ago, aventura900 said:

My only concern is getting the academic institution/employer's J1/H1B within 3 months of being in the US. 6 months under B1/B2 would give more breathing room. Thoughts on this? 

You cannot use a B visa to “live” in the US. And like others have said, it is foolish to pursue a B when you’re eligible for VWP, because you would likely get denied and that puts your chance for ESTA at risk as well.

[kzielu 1,149]

5 hours ago, aventura900 said:

My only concern is getting the academic institution/employer's J1/H1B within 3 months of being in the US. 6 months under B1/B2 would give more breathing room. Thoughts on this? 

There is no guarantee you will get 6 months of stay at the entry to US with B1/B2 (assuming you get the visa to begin with - which is questionable - how will you answer the question what do you need visa for if you can use VWP ?)