change of j category

[disha12]

I am onmyj2 with 2 yr HRR. I want to change my status to f1. However, myj visa is in research scholar caterogy and I want to change to f1 i.e. student category. I heard you need advance stste of depratment approval for changing the category. Will I have problems getting f1 visa? Please advice.

 

[Truth04]

Yes, You will potentially have problems with change to F1 from J2 Research Category. If it is J1/J2 student categoory can switch to F1 easily. These days DOS is very vigiliant on J visa absue cases. Probably it would be a good idea to study on J2 instead of changing to F1.