I am an Indian national working in the US on a L-1 Visa and have been recently admitted to a masters program in the US. The program starts in Sep’14, but I want to apply for my student visa ahead of time in June’14. However, I want to come back to the US in and work for my current employer from June’14 to Sept’14, till the masters program starts.
My question: Will the L-1 Visa be valid till the dates of the student visa become effective? Will I be able to re-enter the US under my L-1 Visa to work for my current employer? Are there any issues with international travel to and out of the US before student visa dates become effective ?
You can hold multiple Visas at a time in your passport, but you can only have one status in USA at a time. My cousin had L1 and B1/B2 at the same time. Read US Visa vs Status Difference. Having said that, the F1 Visa stamping can be tricky and it is up to the visa officer at consulate to decide…he may revoke your L1 visa, it is up to his discretion. What I have seen many do is go to home country on L1 visa, return on L1 visa and apply for Change of Status to F1 visa from L1 when you are in US. You can go for F1 visa stamping, next time you travel out of the country. My advise would be to talk to the DSO at your school and plan it accordingly. DSO would be the best person to advise on your Change of Status and other immigraiton questions.