Note that the “A” Visa, G Visa, and NATO Visa are similar diplomatic visas. The “A” Visa applies to diplomats and foreign government officials, and their assistants; the G Visa applies to national representatives to international organizations; the NATO Visa applies to NATO representatives, staff, and families. Anyone in the diplomatic field may wish to review the descriptions for all three of these visas.
Can I enter the US on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) and then change my status to F-1?
This is strongly discouraged. Entering the US on a visitor visa with the preconceived intent to convert to student status is considered misrepresentation and may result in a permanent bar from the United States.
The travel bans necessitated by the COVID pandemic have created much flux and uncertainty. Synthesizing the information now finally available from various US government sources, it is clearer now that many intending travelers can seek and obtain an exemption from the ban under a series of provisions for a National Interest Exception (NIE).
We are usually called upon by A visa holders for consultations. Click here to consult us.