J1 to F1 adjustment

[hunnu]

I haven’t been able to find anything online with the same situation and I can’t afford an attorney at the moment. So I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m currently in the US on my J1 extension. My Visa expired on the 19th October 2024. I have a new DS-2019, which goes until 10-18-2025. I want to study in the US as soon as possible and request adjustment of status to F1. I’m sure about what would happen if the change of status gets denied. Do you have to immediately go back home if it does? Or can I stay until my DS-2019 expires next year https://mobdro.bio/ ?

[newacct]

First of all, the process for changing from one nonimmigrant status to another from within the US is called "Change of Status", not "Adjustment of Status" (which refers to the process of getting permanent residency from within the US). Does your J1 have the INA 212(e) two-year home residency requirement? If so, you cannot do Change of Status.

If a Change of Status is denied, and your existing status is still unexpired, and you have continued to comply with the requirements of your original status this whole time (i.e. doing whatever you are supposed to do in your J1 program), then you continue to have that status until it expires. A pending or denied application does not change that.