B1/B2 visa to J-1 visa, back to B1/B2 visa
Back in 2011, I applied and got my B1/B2 visa, which is still valid until 2016, but then in 2013, I got an internship in NYC, and got the J-1 visa which was only valid for 6 months (length of my internship) plus the grace period, so I went for my internship, and came back right after it was over. Now I've been back in my country of residence for almost 2 years (it'll be exactly 2 years in Aug'15).
I guess I just wanted to know if anyone knows whether or not this could be a problem for me to enter the US again for a 3 week holiday next month (July'15) with my B1/B2 visa that I got in 2011?
I'm just afraid that when I got the J-1 visa, it automatically cancelled my B1/B2 visa even if people in the consulate didn't say anything about it. Maybe I'm just worrying for no reason, but some countries do that, they automatically cancel your previous visa when you get another one, even if the newer visa is for a different purpose (ie. tourist visa - business visa, etc).
So I just wanted to know that, because I've Googled it, and also looked at US Travel Docs website FAQ, but no one has mentioned this problem so far. Also I don't think we can contact or go to the US embassy to ask questions, as they are very strict about appointments and everything.
Please note, on my J-1, it states "two-year rule does not apply". Also my B1/B2 is still perfectly fine physically, undamaged, unaltered in any way. However I recently got a new passport, and my B1/B2 (still valid) and J-1 visa are all in my old one.
Best Answer
They often cancel your existing US visas when you apply for a US visa, but not always. In other words, it is possible to have two valid US visas in your passport at the same time. For example, if you apply for a work visa but have plans to have a brief visit before you start work, then you can keep your visitor visa along with the work visa. Maybe your situation is similar, with the short J1 program.
In any case, if they cancelled it, you would know -- it will be written in big letters on the visa. From your description, they did not cancel your B1/B2 visa. The reason why they did not cancel it is not important. Your B1/B2 visa is still valid and you can use it.
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Can I change my B1 B2 visa to J-1?
If you are currently in B1/B2 status and you wish to become a J-1 student, you are prohibited from enrolling in a course of study unless you apply for and USCIS approves your change of status application.Can I have both B1 and J-1 visa?
You can hold the visas concurrently but can only enter on one status. Entering on a J-1 will not invalidate your B-1 visa.Can I have 2 U.S. visas at the same time?
Q. 19 Is is O.K. to have two visas 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 leave and reenter the US on a J-1 visa?
Generally, a J-1 visa holder may not travel outside the U.S. for more than 30 days without being considered to have \u201cabandoned their program\u201d. Any exceptions must be approved, in advance, by your J-1 visa sponsor.HOW CAN I CHANGE MY J1 VISA TO B1/B2 VISA ?
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