Changing from B2 to F1

[vivekwaters]

Hi, I have a 10 year multiple entry B2 visa. I am planning to go to the US for higher studies for which I will have to go in F1 visa. My questions are

1. Will my B2 visa be cancelled if I get an F1?

2. Is it possible that after getting an admit in a university, I travel to the US on a B2 visa and over there, I use the I 20 and convert to F1 or do I have to go through the normal procedure of getting an F1 visa in India itself?

[PraetorianXI]

1.- Not necessarily.
2.- You can do either way.

[orion]

Recommended to get F1 in your home country itself, rather than going for a COS.

[vivekwaters]

Three questions

1. What should I do to manage getting a F1 visa without getting my B1/B2 cancelled.

2. How do I go about converting my visa status to F1 after going to the US??

3. Why is it not advisable to convert it after going there?

[PraetorianXI]

1.- There is nothing you can do, it is at the discretion of USCIS officers.
2.- File for Change of Status.
3.- Because COS are usually frowned upon by USCIS when you enter with a visitor visa. Make sure you let the officer at the Port of Entry what your intentions are (to later change to F1 status) to avoid any problems later.