Can I apply for a B2 visa if I was previously on F1?
I was in the US from August 2012 on F1 visa. I did my masters and worked for a couple of years, all on F1 before leaving for good in October 2016. Though I left in October, my work permit was valid until December and visa until June 2017. My company applied for H1 when I was working in US and it didn't get picked. Now I'm working in the UK and would like to visit my sister's family back in the US. Can I apply for B2? Will there be any issues because I was in the US before? PS: For clarity, I don't hold any valid US visa anymore.
Thank you for all the help.
Best Answer
There are no restrictions for you to apply for a B1/B2; I know many people that were students (F1) and later would like to visit for tourism or just to get in touch with their college friends.
The fact that your employer applied for a H1 and was not successful has no bearing on your application, as it is not a rejection (the H1 is a lottery system).
Since you complied with your previous visa's rules - you actually have good history with the US.
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Can I change from F-1 to B2 visa?
Both B2 and F1 visas are categorized as nonimmigrant visas. Therefore, you can always switch from B2 to F1. But before that, let's explore each visa in detail.How long does it take to change from F-1 to B2?
Currently, USCIS takes approximately 10-12 months to process an application for change or extension of status, Form I-539. If a person enters on a B1/B2 visitor visa, generally the person is given 6 months of time or \u201cstatus\u201d to be in the US after successfully completing inspection.Can you have F-1 and B2 visa?
If you are in the United States as a tourist (on a B-2 visitor visa), it is possible to change your status to F-1 student, by submitting a request to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, getting this request approved is anything but guaranteed.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.Will my previous B1/B2 rejection impact my F1 Visa?
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