Hi dear "Ask me" ( help desk) . I am currently holding a B2 visa and Im in the USA looking for a school to attend . May I be issued F1 Visa before the expiration of my current visa? Do I need to leave the country in order to do this? If Ill be issued F-1 Visa, how long prior to the beginning of the classes can I be in USA for? Also can I change school while studying and how often? Thank you for your help. Warmly Liliya

Not recommend... if you change your status here in US, your B-1/B-2 will be terminated, plus if you leave the country you must re-apply for F-1 in order to return to US.

Best thing to do is bring I-20 with you, apply for F-1 from your home country.