Can I retain B1/B2 visa status along with a F1 visa to enter US more than 30 days before commencement of course at an University?
Will a person having a B1/B2 visa be allowed to retain their B1/B2 visa status along with F1 status? If so, can that person enter USA with the B1/B2 visa? I want to enter USA more than 30 days before my course starts at my university, which is not allowed with a F1 visa. Will it be necessary for me to leave and re-enter USA with an F1 visa before commencement of my course?
Best Answer
As per the B1-B2 visa, you are not allowed to stay within the country for greater than six months, this was easily checked in the past with the I-94 form. As of now, this form is completely electronic, but the restriction still holds.
So, I'd say there are some kinks to the process. If you were to consider - "Okay, but I'll leave within 6 months and return back to resume my education, is it legal then?" It's definitely not legal as a B1/B2 visa does not allow you to study in the United States.
Your university might ask you for a copy of the I-94 record which would then state that you entered with regard to your B1/B2 visa and not your F1 visa. My university verified this information after I entered the US for the first time i.e. they took copies of the Passport, Visa, I-20 and I-94.
But, you can change your status. If you do choose to enter with your B1/B2 Visa, you have two options:
- You re-enter the United States with the F1 Visa and pursue your education.
- You apply to USCIS and request for a change in status from B2 to F1.
An important FAQ you should definitely read is available on the USCIS website. I highly recommend going thru it.
Pictures about "Can I retain B1/B2 visa status along with a F1 visa to enter US more than 30 days before commencement of course at an University?"
Can you hold 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...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.Can I have a tourist visa and a student visa?
Yes, a B2 tourist visa can be changed to an F1 visa.Can I get two different U.S. visas at the same time such as F-1 and B1 )?
You may apply for two different visas at the same time if you can show that you will enter the United States on the first visa, leave and re-enter on the other. You are required to complete one visa application form DS-160 but pay two MRV fees; the second fee is paid to the Embassy cashier on the day of the interview.How to get B1 \u0026 F1 visa both within 6 months | Tourist Visa | Student Visa | US Visa | CJTalk
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Nataliya Vaitkevich, Pixabay, Karolina Grabowska, Porapak Apichodilok