Is it easy for me to change from visitor to student?

Question

hi, im living in sfo as a tourist, ive been given a maximum of six months to stay in the united states, but I want to change to a student visa, im not sure if i have to go back to my home country to do it, my college starts in january 09 , am i allowed to change my status while im in the US? is there any possibilities they might reject me? I have been living/studying in the UK for five years.

Answer 1

You can change your status while here. Ask a few colleges what kind a requirements they have for student visa. I think you have to be a full time student to qualify for visa.

Answer 2

Your college or university should help you with the paperwork once you have been accepted to study. The main form is the I-20 which you need to bring with other documents to the US Embassy or Consulate in your country so you can apply for your F1 Visa, and if approved, they will stamp it on your passport. Good luck.

Answer 3

You abosolutely cannot change your status to an F-1 while in the United States.  It is prohibited.  The only time you can do it would be if you were in the US on a J-1 Visa and the foreign residency requirement was not an issue.  You will have to leave, go to your consulate and reapply for an F-1 and then come back.