Status change - P1 to F1

[Akba 0]

I'm an athlete, been on P1 for 4 years, graduated from the US before that. Worked in the US for years, competed as a tennis player on P1.

 

Now I've got admission in a grad program and want to switch to F1 Visa. I'm in my home country of Pakistan but have a valid P1.

 

What's the best way for me to switch to P1? Should I apply for a student visa from Pakistan as I normally would if I didn't have a P1(if that's an option), or should I go to the US on my P1 and apply for a status change?

 

Would love to hear thoughts on this, thank you!

 

[elmers 289]

58 minutes ago, Akba said:

Should I apply for a student visa from Pakistan

Yes. Have the school send you the I-20 then apply at a consulate/embassy in Pakistan. This is the normal, simplest, easiest method. You cannot apply for status change to F1 while in the US... the most you might be able to do is get an I-20 but would have to go back anyway to get the new F1.

[Akba 0]

Thanks for your response! 

 

My P1 will simply just be cancelled when I submit the F1 application right? I don't have to take any extra steps to end/cancel it?

 

They won't cause any problems because I already have a valid work visa?

 

Thanks!

[elmers 289]

1 minute ago, Akba said:

I don't have to take any extra steps to end/cancel it?

Correct. They will stamp your old valid visas saying 'canceled without prejudice' or something similar when you get a new one.

[Akba 0]

On 6/3/2019 at 4:12 PM, elmers said:

Correct. They will stamp your old valid visas saying 'canceled without prejudice' or something similar when you get a new one.

Thanks for your help!

 

Looks like you've been through this process? 

[elmers 289]

13 hours ago, Akba said:

Looks like you've been through this process? 

Yes. I've switched from F1, B1-B2, and J1 few times so I've seen them canceling my previous valid visas when I got a new one. Good luck with your studies and visa processing!