Applying and carrying both b1 and f1 together

[vshah978 0]

Hello all,

I got admitted into a university in USA and received my I-20 for the same. I am yet to apply for my F-1 visa. The program start date is 8th August, 2016.

Meanwhile, I also got selected for a Youth Cultural program by an organization in USA, which requires me to travel to USA from 18th June to 10th July on Visitors visa (B1/B2). I am yet to apply for that, too. I am planning to return to my home (India) on 10th July and then go back to USA in August to start my studies.

Now, 3 timelines would be possible for me:

1) I apply for F-1 visa first, and then for B1/B2. Thus, obtain both the visa before 18th June.

2) I apply for B1/B2 visa first, and then for F-1, and obtain both the visa before 18th June.

3) I apply for B1/B2 before 18th June, and apply for F-1 after coming back, i.e. after 10th July.

Can you please suggest me the best option out of these three considering following points :

1) Getting a F-1 visa is more important for me than the B1/B2, as a very good study program in good university is at stake. I don't want the B1/B2 visa approval/rejection to affect my chances of getting F-1 visa successfully.

2) Is it possible to have two valid visas stamped (B1 and F1) at the same time?

3) Would there be a problem at entry port on 18th June if my passport has two valid visas stamped (both B1 and F-1) ? I can produce enough documents stating my purpose of visit (cultural program for the first visit).

4) If in case my B1 visa is rejected, will that decision affect my chances of getting F-1?

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

[liirthropp 0]

I could be completely wrong, but I've been under the impression that you can't have two visas at the same time?

Because I lived in a country bordering the U.S., I applied and was approved for a Visitors visa, valid for 10 years. It expires in 2021

Two years later I applied for the F-1 visa and approved for it. I was explained that once I go into the U.S m. And show my F1 visa, that is the visa I am under. I visited my sister in Mexico a year later and showed my Toursit visa at the port of entry to enter the U.S (because it seemed easier than pulling out the I-20 and passport), and the officer told me I had to use the F-1 visa.

[jan22 2,898]

You can have two different categories of visas at the same time, just not two of the same kind of visa (i.e., you can have a B1/B2 visa and an F at the same time, but not two B1/B2 visas). The visa used to enter the US must match your primary reason for being in the US. For example, when you are entering to study, you can't present the B1/B2 because it's easier that getting out documentation and then start studying...you have to be admitted to student status in order to study.

RE the OP's original question: If your B visa application is denied, your F application will almost assuredly also be denied. Applying for the two visas so close together, for two trips that will be very expensive, might cause questions for the consular officer, especially if you apply for the B first. Applying for that one and then a month or so later applying for the F makes it look like you were trying to conceal your true intent.

[AnneGG 1]

When I was admitted to grad school in the US, I wanted to visit the University before starting my PhD. I applied for a B2 to visit the campus and a few friends, and when I explained my intentions to the CO, he told me he would give me the B2 for three months only, so then I could apply for the F1 with my I-20. He kind of implied that he didn't want to give me a B2 for longer so I didn't have both Visas at the same time. But this was in 2005, and it is just my experience. I don't know if there are any set rules.