As an Indian citizen, can I apply and have both a B1 and F1 visa?
I got admitted into a university in USA and received my I-20 for the same. I am yet to apply for my F-1 visa. The program start date is 8th August, 2016.
Meanwhile, I also got selected for a Youth Cultural program by an organization in USA, which requires me to travel to USA from 18th June to 10th July on Visitors visa (B1/B2). I am yet to apply for that, too. I am planning to return to my home (India) on 10th July and then go back to USA in August to start my studies.
Now, 3 timelines would be possible for me:
- I apply for F-1 visa first, and then for B1/B2. Thus, obtain both the visa before 18th June.
- I apply for B1/B2 visa first, and then for F-1, and obtain both the visa before 18th June.
- I apply for B1/B2 before 18th June, and apply for F-1 after coming back, i.e. after 10th July.
Can you please suggest me the best option out of these three considering following points :
Getting a F-1 visa is more important for me than the B1/B2, as a very good study program in good university is at stake. I don't want the B1/B2 visa approval/rejection to affect my chances of getting F-1 visa successfully.
Is it possible to have two valid visas stamped (B1 and F1) at the same time?
Would there be a problem at entry port on 18th June if my passport has two valid visas stamped (both B1 and F-1) ? I can produce enough documents stating my purpose of visit (cultural program for the first visit).
If in case my B1 visa is rejected, will that decision affect my chances of getting F-1?
Best Answer
This question was asked and answered by the US embassy in an article in the Jamaica Observer - You are allowed to have multiple visas:
Multiple non-immigrant visas are routinely issued at the Embassy - common combinations include the B1/B2 visitor's visa in addition to crew member (C1/D), student (F, M), employment-based (J, H) and performer (O, P) visa categories. As long as you still need multiple visas, and they are valid, your visa will not be cancelled when you apply for a visa in a different category.
This appears to fit your situation.
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Can I hold both F-1 and B1 visa?
You cannot have both. you are on F-1 visa now and you will stay on F1 status until you finish your studies. Once you finish your studies, you may change your status back to B1/B2 while you are in the U.S. However, once you leave the U.S. on...Can I apply for F-1 and B1 at the same time?
Yes, as long as the visas are for different purposes. For example it is OK to have a B1/B2 (tourist/business) and F1 (student) together, but not OK to have two valid F1 visas.Can I have 2 visas at the same time?
You can have as many visa as you want. The limit is the number of free pages in your passport (or one or two less).Will my B1 B2 visa be Cancelled when I apply for an F-1?
Your B-1/B-2 visa will not be cancelled if you decide not to continue with your F-1 studies in the U.S. and you promptly depart the U.S. thank you for your answer.How to Convert B1/B2 Visa to Student F-1 Visa | Visit visa to Student visa process
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