Traveling to the US on an F1

[Anan]

Hi- will appreciate any advice on this. I have an F1 visa (valid starting today until 2016). I need to know when I can travel to the US. The date on my I20 is September 6,2011 but I have my tickets booked for the 28th of July (ah the lure of cheap tickets). I need to know if i can indeed travel on the 28th - this is a week more than the 30 days limit; if such a limit exists.
I also have a valid B2- i don't know if this is useful.
I really do not want to change my tickets. Any advice will be helpful.

Thanks much
Anan

[kabkaba]

You will not be allowed to enter more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20.

[678olive]

I second Kabkaba. Also, If you try to use your B2 visa for entry then you will have to apply for COS to F1 after entering the US.

[kabkaba]

COS from B2 is very difficult and it will not be approved in 30 days any way.

Either postpone your ticket or do the following. Enter on B2, leave and go to Canada or Mexico and return on F1. But there is a small risk of denial of entry in this approach.