Eisbrecher

Depending on what J-1 program she's in, TOEFL might be waved. I was an exchange student back in the day on J-1, and applied for F-1 the next year, had my TOEFL waved. It depends how well she speaks English really.

You cannot apply for an F-1 visa from inside the US. After being accepted into an accredited US educational institution, the application is made online and you interview at the embassy/consulate where you live.

Thank you so much for your reply. Well, they are here working at a resort. Their English was assessed at the US Embassy in their home country from a scale 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. They got a 5/5 so their English is very close to a native English speaker. I would like to clarify if it is even possible to attain a F-1 while they are here on a J-1. Or would they have to finish their J-1 visa go back to their home country and apply for a F-1 there?

I have a friend who is currently in the US on a J-1 visa but she would now like to become a student and study in the US, however, we don't know the process that is required to do so. Is there a way she can switch or apply for the F-1 visa while she's here in the United States? I know she has to be accepted into a college first before she can even apply for the F-1 visa. Does she need to take the TOEFL before she even begins the application process for the F-1? If so, would it be possible to attend the college without taking it or would it be possible to take the TOEFL within the United States? Also if she would apply for the F-1 visa how long would she wait to either be approved or denied for the F-1?