I hope somebody here can help me.
So I have been in the US for almost two years now on a J1 that will expire on July 20. I have been working as an au pair and taking classes at a local community college. Since I'd really like to graduate the mother of my host mom offered to sponsor me so I can change my status to an F1 and finish my studies. The thing is:
- First, I live and study in California and she lives in Oregon. She has a place in California where she spends the winter and that's where I'll be living at least for the first year. I wonder if the fact that her main address (the address on all of her bank statements) being in Oregon would be a problem
- Second my J1 expires on July 20 and my classes start on August 18. I heard that if there is a gap in the time your visa expire and the time your new visa starts they will deny it. Does this apply? I ask because I still have a grace period until August 20. Should I write a letter asking that my starting date be July 18 (which is the 30 days prior to the beginning of class that the school asks in order to do all the tests and appointments)?
- Third, right now I live with my host family but as soon as my au pair program ends I'll be moving to another place. In my forms should I put the address I'm living in now or the one I'll be living in under the F1?
Thanks a lot, I really appreciate the help.
By the way I would love to go see a lawyer and ask him those questions and have him look over my forms. I live in the SF bay area so if you guys can recommend me one, just for consultation, it would be great.