J2 to F1

[jay_malhar]

I am on a J2 visa and would like to convert to a F1 visa of my own.
I am subjected to a 2 yr (HRR) rule and my husband has applied for a waiver. Waiver is going to take some time to come.
my questions are:
1. Can I convert to F-1 befoe the waiver? (I believe can and once he gets the waiver I will also be exempted from 2 yr HRR.)
2. Can I covert to my own J-1..is it advisable? ( I believe I will need my own waiver later on) but is it permitted?
2. Can I change my status here in the US to F-1 or J-1 before the waiver arrives
or have to go to out of country for the F-1/ J-1 visa? if I have to, can I do it in Mexico or Canada?
3. Is there a official US govt link which can show all the rules and regulations about J-2 to F-1/J-1?
4. How much time it takes to get a status change from J-2 to F-1/J-1 visa?

 

[sapodilla]

I moved from J-1 to F-1 and could not get it done in the U.S. I had to go back to the Embassy in my home country to get it there. No hassle though. Not sure about the other questions.

 

[nscagony]

You cannot switch from J to F in the US if you are subject to the 2 year HRR, but you can get a new visa stamp. You should probably do this before the final waiver has been issued since obtaining a HRR waiver can be considered having shown immigrant intent. While its only your husband at this point who has shown immigrant intent, in cases of spouses the actions of the spouse can be used against you (they assume you want to stay with your husband, and thus immigrate as well).