Tourist B2 to F1 Best Course of Action

[visaissues]

Hi Guys,

I applied for my B2 in November and came to the US to visit schools in December. I went back home in January. I recently got married and came to the US again in May '15 with my husband who is on his H1. I have an admit from a school and I want to apply for F1. Can I apply for F1 and COS from the US or should I go back home and apply for my F1 from there?
I want to avoid the hassle of a trip back home if possible. I am confused by the timeline I should follow. How long does the change of status take? I don't want it to come across as misstatement of my intent.

HELP GUYS.
Thanks a lot!

[inadmissible]

You can do COS within the country, but you should get close guidance from your school's international student department.

When you came in December to visit schools, I presume you told the CBP officer that you seek admission to the United States to look at schools.

I am curious, what did you tell him when you came in May?

You will have to explain any discrepancies in your COS application.

[visaissues]

You can do COS within the country, but you should get close guidance from your school's international student department.

When you came in December to visit schools, I presume you told the CBP officer that you seek admission to the United States to look at schools.

I am curious, what did you tell him when you came in May?

You will have to explain any discrepancies in your COS application.

When I came in May, he didn't ask me the purpose of my visit. How long does COS take generally? From all the information I've gathered I am only disheartened and am contemplating just getting from my home country.
Do let me know.
Thanks!

[inadmissible]

B-2 to F-2 COS takes 2 to 4 months, typically 3 months. It is difficult to predict the adjudication timeline with any certainty. On the other hand, scheduling a F-1 visa application interview at a consulate abroad gives you a definitive timeline. Because timing is critical in being able to enroll and attend classes for a particular semester, most aliens are better served applying for an F-1 visa abroad.

B-2 to F-2 COS is not just a form, it involves a written narrative. Your request will have to address issues that can sometimes be awkward, such as:

* What did you tell the consular officer was the purpose of your visit to the U.S.?
* Upon entry to the U.S., what did you tell the immigration officer was the purpose of your visit?
* How and when did you arrive at your decision to study in the U.S.?
* How and when did you first contact the University, and when were you informed you had been admitted?
* If prior to your entry into the U.S. your intention was to attend school, why didn't you apply for an F-1 student visa rather than the B-2 visitor visa?
* Have you been in the U.S. before? When and for what purpose?
* Any relatives in the U.S.? If so, what types of visas are they here on?

Many aliens would prefer to apply for the F-1 abroad rather than answer these questions in writing, under penalty of perjury.