Unusual F1 visa question, please help?

Question

I'm a European citizen living in Asia. I was admitted in a top 50 American University for Spring 2006 and got my F1 visa to study there. Unfortunately a series of personal issues concerning my family business prevented me to travel abroad.

When my issues got sorted out, I re-applied to a few universities for the coming Fall 2008 semester and got re-admitted in the same university that admitted me in Spring 2006 and whose visa I still hold on my passport.

However I have also been admitted in an Ivy university that I would prefer to enroll for Fall 2008.

My doubts are:

1) Do I have to re-apply fresh for a new F1 visa especially since I wish to change the university too?

2) Would I be allowed, in the first place, to change my university?

3) Since I got a visa previously and never went, would it have a negative impact this time if/when I re-apply for my F1?

Thank you for going through my queries.

Answer 1

Your not having gone to school before is perfectly understandable, as long as you can explain the circumstances when the consul who interviews you asks.

You can change universities, but you must apply for a new F1 visa with an I-20 from the new school.

Answer 2

1) You will have to apply for a new F1 visa regardless of if you decide to change schools or not since you did not attend any classes the last time, your F1 visa becomes void.

2) When you go for your F1 interview at the U.S. Embassy, you present them with the I-20 from the university you wish to attend.

3) It will have no impact at all but be prepared to answer any questions relating to why you didn't attend the first time.