How to Change Status from B1/B2 to F1

[fabian_pasholli]

Hello everybody,

I have a 1-year B1/B2 visa which expires on Feb '09. I traveled to the states on march '08 and stayed a few weeks, but now I would like to study there.

My question is: Once i enter the states, what will be the duration of the I-94 if this is somehow predictable? In heard they give you a 6-month period of stay. Is this true?

or to say it in another way: what is the time in my disposal to change the status from B1/B2 to F1? Are there chances of failing for any reason even if all papers are ok?

Thanks in advance

Bests,

[LawResearcherMissy]

In matters of immigration, nothing is ever a sure thing.

You should be speaking to an immigration attorney to help you with this.

[Mr. Knowitall]

I agree with that, or at least an adviser with the college where you intend to enroll.

It is possible to be given an I-94 expiration date subsequent to the expiration of your B1/B2 visa, but nobody can guarantee that the immigration officer will grant you even an extra day. Whatever happens, you'll be limited in your actions by the expiration date of your I-94.

There's a high rate of denial for petitions to change status from B1/B2 to F1. There may be factors that make you ineligible to change your status; we aren't in a position to know. You have to file to change your status before your I-94 expires, you must already be accepted into an academic program, and your start date for classes must be within 30 days of the expiration date of your I-94. For information on becoming a student within the United States, read this.

[fabian_pasholli]

Thanks to all for the reply,

there is something else i would like to ask you guys:

can a cousin of mine (us citizen) be my sponsor?
can a us citizen sponsor more than one person?

thanks for the suport