Can we switch visas from L2 dependent to Tourist Visa - being in the USA already

[Rohan Raj Aggarwal]

Hi there,


I'm Rohan Raj Aggarwal, 21years old, currently staying in Chicago with my parents on an L-2 Dependent visa. I'm continuing my undergrad (BTECH-Final year) from India remotely because of Covid-19.

As I'm 21 years old already, I'm not allowed to stay in the country with a dependent visa AFTER my L-2 Dependent visa gets expired in upcoming October. I'm planning to apply for higher studies in 2022 with MS in CS (Masters in Computer Science) in the USA, for which I would need an F1 visa to get into the US.

I have the following query to plan accordingly.

As my VISA is expiring in October, being in the country already, can I apply for a Tourist visa to continue my current stay for short period, say 5 to 6 months BEFORE I apply F1 VISA for my USA Masters degree, likely timing to apply for F1 VISA is December 2021.

My situation is tricky as my parents/family are in the USA already and I can't go back to India as I no longer have a base there.

Please suggest what are my options?

Additional data:

1. My Father has 3 more years of his L1A VISA, 4 yrs spent in the USA already.
2. As I am 21 yrs now, I am no longer allowed to be his dependent as per his Employer mobility team.
3. I have a Bank Account in Bank of America, USA, and Financial backing from my Father.
4. My father has bought a house in Chicago and is expecting to have I140 initiated in this year.
5. My younger sister is pursuing 12th from High School.

Thank you so much,

Rohan Raj Aggarwal

[rkk09]

Hi,
If you have intent to study your masters in the USA, why can not you directly apply for F1 visa Instead of Business/ Tourist visa? If you already in the USA and want to apply for change of status, L2 to B and again B to F1 visa will make some issues. Better leave the country and reenter with the help of F1 student visa.
Thanks