L2 to F1

[nmegha82]

I started my master’s program in April 2024 on an L2 visa and later obtained a Change of Status (COS) to F1 while in the U.S. I am now planning to visit India in March for F1 visa stamping. I am eligible for Dropbox but understand that I may still be called for an interview.

Since I have a year left until graduation, I am wondering if this is the right time to travel. I am concerned that if I wait until the end of my program, the consulate may question my intent to return, potentially impacting my approval. At the same time, I want to ensure I avoid unnecessary risks or delays in case of administrative processing.

Would you recommend proceeding with stamping now, or would it be safer to wait ? I would appreciate your insights.

 

[SusieQQQ]

I imagine the consulate would certainly want to know if you still have a relationship with the L1 visa holder. That may affect whether or not they think you have immigrant intent (L being a dual intent visa and not a pure immigrant one of course, but there are many moving parts as to how they will view that, including factors you haven’t mentioned (such as maintenance of relationship with L1, how long you have been in the US, why you changed to F1 etc- we don’t need to know these here, just pointing out some potential flags for the consulate). Is there a reason you need to travel? Assuming your current status is at least until your studies end, it seems safer to remain in the US until your course is finished, unless you have another reason that is important to be overseas for.

 

[nmegha82]

I imagine the consulate would certainly want to know if you still have a relationship with the L1 visa holder. That may affect whether or not they think you have immigrant intent (L being a dual intent visa and not a pure immigrant one of course, but there are many moving parts as to how they will view that, including factors you haven’t mentioned (such as maintenance of relationship with L1, how long you have been in the US, why you changed to F1 etc- we don’t need to know these here, just pointing out some potential flags for the consulate). Is there a reason you need to travel? Assuming your current status is at least until your studies end, it seems safer to remain in the US until your course is finished, unless you have another reason that is important to be overseas for.

Thank you for your reply, I changed to F1 because , If my husband gets H1B i will loose my L2 Work authorization status on H4, I am planning to india to just to get visa stamped ,as there may be chance of denial if i visit at end of my course.

 

[SusieQQQ]

Thank you for your reply, I changed to F1 because , If my husband gets H1B i will loose my L2 Work authorization status on H4, I am planning to india to just to get visa stamped ,as there may be chance of denial if i visit at end of my course.

I’m not following the logic. Why do you need to go overseas to get the visa stamped? You have status from your change of status. Of course you won’t get a F1 visa once your course has ended, but your F status regardless ends when your course does (+grace period). What are your plans for staying in the US after your masters? Back to L2 or possibly H4 if your husband has H1B? Neither of those will be a problem as both are dual intent.

 

[nmegha82]

I’m not following the logic. Why do you need to go overseas to get the visa stamped? You have status from your change of status. Of course you won’t get a F1 visa once your course has ended, but your F status regardless ends when your course does (+grace period). What are your plans for staying in the US after your masters? Back to L2 or possibly H4 if your husband has H1B? Neither of those will be a problem as both are dual intent.

But Can I visit back india after I get my OPT and later get stamped? Else I will be unable to travel to India until i receive my H1B