Visitor/Student visa enquiry

[wendy]

I'll try and make a long story short.

I'm hoping to go and stay with my boyfriend in the USA at the earliest opportunity. I know that I can gain entry under the Visa Waiver Program but I want to stay longer than that visa allows.

Is it possible to obtain a visitors visa living in the UK and what are the chances of changing my status to a Student visa once I'm out there? I am going with the prospect of looking at colleges to attend etc in his area.

I've read so much on different websites that I'm getting confused. I've even heard of a "Tourist Visa" - can someone give me some help (as the US Embassy won't answer personal enquiries via email!!)

Thanks.

[taco]

I'll try and make a long story short.

I'm hoping to go and stay with my boyfriend in the USA at the earliest opportunity. I know that I can gain entry under the Visa Waiver Program but I want to stay longer than that visa allows.

Is it possible to obtain a visitors visa living in the UK and what are the chances of changing my status to a Student visa once I'm out there? I am going with the prospect of looking at colleges to attend etc in his area.

I've read so much on different websites that I'm getting confused. I've even heard of a "Tourist Visa" - can someone give me some help (as the US Embassy won't answer personal enquiries via email!!)

Thanks.

Yes, it is possible to obtain the visa at UK and B1/B2 visa is what you are looking at. This includes tourism , temporary
business (conferences, meetings etc.) and meeting relatives etc.

To apply for a B1/B2 you will need to show a real purpose that requires
a stay more than 90 days, intent to
return from US (judged by ties you have in UK :job, good income, family) and
enough funds for the trip.
So if you apply for a visitor visa stating that you wish to stay with your
boyfriend in US , you will be denied without a doubt.
If you say you wish to go for tourism you may be quizzed "Is
90 days allowed by the visa waiver not enough for your tour?"
You could say you are going to look at the colleges but then you will
be interviewed like for a student visa; what programs?, what colleges? have
you passed the required tests? show grades in UK,
show enough funds, future plans in UK after studies in US? etc. etc.
OR they may even say,"go look at the colleges on your visa waiver and
apply for a student visa after you return".
So, you need to think about the right purpose to mention.

Changing to a student status ;
Individuals entering the U.S. on a B visa as prospective students must declare to the immigration inspector at entry that they are entering the U.S. with the goal of attending college. The USCIS officer must make a notation on the form I-94 (entry card ) that you are a prospective student.If you do not have this notation on your I-94 card, you will find it difficult to change to student status.