Obtaining an F1 Visa, After Living Under F1 Status for 4 Years

Hi fellows,

I'm, Turkish and came to the states in 2008 summer - with a J1 student exchange program, work and travel. Unfortunately. I changed my status to F1 that winter, via a language school. I eventually transferred to a community college, majored in Music, and eventually to conservatory, obviously kept the same subject as my major.

I have at least 1 more year to go after this semester. But I REALLY can't live without seeing my family anymore, it's so absurd that I lived without seeing everyone I know for almost 5 years now. I am just scared that if they won't give me the visa on the way back, I would lose everything I worked so hard for but on the other hand I really can't wait another year.

Does me initially changing my status from J1 to F1 and staying here for almost 5 years without a visa really give me a bad reputation at the immigration office? What do they really look for? I just want to come back and finish school, maybe do a year of OPT, and I haven't decided yet if I want to stay here or go to Europe for Masters. What would make a reason to deny my visa application? I have a pretty good GPA, never had any legal issues.

I would very much appreciate any input. thank you and I hope opening this thread didn't violate any rules.

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Quoting hasanali

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I am just scared that if they won't give me the visa on the way back....

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Why?

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Quoting hasanali

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Does me initially changing my status from J1 to F1 and staying here for almost 5 years without a visa really give me a bad reputation at the immigration office?

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What do you mean, "without a visa"? You've remained in lawful F1 status throughout your schooling, haven't you?

without a visa meaning : my initial J1 visa was only for 3 months. I DID change my status before it expired, but when you apply for a J1 visa that allows you to stay for only 3 months, isn't it sort of saying 'I am intending to leave in 3 months'? And then I ended up staying for over 4 years.

and why? because I have heard of stories of people who were in my situation and simply not allowed to come back..

If you successfully changed your status such that you have been in valid F1 status since your J1 status ended, I'm not seeing a basis for concern. Lots of F1 students travel home during school breaks. Could there be additional facts relevant to your case? Sure, but unless you share them we won't know them.