can I go visit my country

[Mateen Panjwani]

I came on a visit visa that is b1/b2, I changed my status to F1 here. It's been almost a year now that I have been living here. My question to you is about going back to my home country. I have heard from people that once you come here and change your status to F1, you do not get a permission to go back to your country and come back. Like once you go back, you will need to schedule an interview to come back to U.S. Is that true?

[raghvi]

I came on a visit visa that is b1/b2, I changed my status to F1 here. It's been almost a year now that I have been living here. My question to you is about going back to my home country. I have heard from people that once you come here and change your status to F1, you do not get a permission to go back to your country and come back. Like once you go back, you will need to schedule an interview to come back to U.S. Is that true?

Since you do not have a F1 visa stamped in the passport, yes you would need to attend the interview and convince the officer about your intent.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[Mateen Panjwani]

Can I do this while staying in US?

[raghvi]

Can I do this while staying in US?

Do what while staying in US? Get a new visa? No, a new visa can only be got at a US consulate outside US, preferably in home country.

This is my opinion not legal advice.