F2 to F1 COS - Risk?

[imdeng]

I am currently in US on F2 visa. I have just been offered admission to a graduate study and I have to start school in August. I wanted to ask about risk of denial if I ask for change of status while in US.

1. How frequently do they deny F2 to F1 COS. I and my spouse (F1) have been in US for two years and have had no issues as yet (no out-of-status, no issues of any kind).

2. If I do get COS, would it be difficult for me to get the F1 Visa in India when eventually I go back and plan to reenter?

3. Considering the above two, should I try for COS and then Visa later - or plan to go to India and get a fresh F1 and come back?

Please reply or point me to appropriate information. Thank You.

 

[rabaru]

You cannot enroll in the school on F-2. Even if they allow, you better not enroll. However, you can use this rule to justify your COS.If you provide a proof of financial support, then genereally they donot deny F-1.
Even if they deny, you will continue on F-2.
It will be very tricky to go for F-1 visa stamping in India.
It takes about 2 months to process the application.

 

[imdeng]

Thanks rabaru,

My concern is the time it takes for COS in US - If I apply for that by say May, and they don't get back to me in say 3 months - then I can't start school in August-Sept. So - then perhaps I should go to India and get a F1 visa straightaway...

I hope this will work out - any other comments are welcome.

You cannot enroll in the school on F-2. Even if they allow, you better not enroll. However, you can use this rule to justify your COS.If you provide a proof of financial support, then genereally they donot deny F-1.
Even if they deny, you will continue on F-2.
It will be very tricky to go for F-1 visa stamping in India.
It takes about 2 months to process the application.