Having two visas at the same time

[gaussian]

I have a B1/B2 visa valid for 10 years. Next year, I am hoping to get an F1 (student) visa for 5 years. After I graduate from my school at the end of those 5 years, will I be able to again enter the US as a tourist using my B1/B2 visa for the remaining years?

Also, a more convoluted question, to understand how the system works: During my 5 years in the US as a student, can I depart the US and re-enter as a tourist at the beginning of a summer, and then depart and re-enter as a student at the end of that summer?

In short, does my visa status depend on which visa I choose to use at the port of entry? Can I have multiple visas valid at the same time, even though I can have only one visa status at the same time?

 

[Hexa]

Nothing prevents you from having two nonimmigrant visas at the same time, so in theory you can switch back and forth. However I have known instances where the consulate canceled the old visa.

 

[Triple Citizen]

Yes

IIn short, does my visa status depend on which visa I choose to use at the port of entry?

Theoretically you can have multiple NIV visas at the same time. However in almost all cases, a B-1/2 will be cancelled if another NIV visa is successfully obtained.

Can I have multiple visas valid at the same time, even though I can have only one visa status at the same time?