Traveling under the ESTA/VWP from Chile for 2 months before F1 Visa becomes active? [duplicate]

I have received my F1 visa already in Chile, but I would like to travel in the US for a couple months before the start of my program. My F1 visa only allows me to enter the US 30 days prior to my program start date, but as a citizen of Chile I am eligible to travel under the ESTA/Visa Waiver Program for 90 days. My question is if I can activate my F1 visa while in the US or if I must travel back to Chile and then back to

Best Answer

There is a near duplicate here. The main takeaways:

Can I activate my F1 visa while in the US?

No. Change of status under VWP is not permitted.

Must I travel back to Chile and then back to the US?

You do not have to return to Chile but you must leave the US. Technically you must go further than Canada, Mexico or nearby Caribbean Islands but the second part is not consistently enforced.

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Can you travel on the same ESTA twice?

There is no limit on the number of times you may enter the U.S. under either ESTA of a visa. However, if reentering the U.S. using ESTA soon after staying for nearly 90 days, you can expect to be questioned in detail by the immigration officer about the purpose of your visit.

How often can I travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.

How long is VWP valid for?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor visa purposes) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Can VWP adjust status?

Entering the United States through the Visa Waiver Program counts as a lawful entry. However, the law that created the Visa Waiver Program also stipulates that VWP entrants are not allowed to change or adjust their status. This prevents most VWP entrants from adjusting status.

Traveling to Chile 2022, Travel Requirements in the time of Covid.

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