Last visit was: 18 Nov 2025, 13:37 It is currently 18 Nov 2025, 13:37
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
Venu01298
User avatar
Joined: 17 Sep 2024
Last visit: 11 Apr 2025
Posts: 30
Own Kudos:
11
Given Kudos: 9
Location: India
Schools: Fuqua '27 (D) Yale '27 (S) LBS '26 (D) Said '27 (I) Kenan-Flagler '27 (I) Ross '27 (I) Booth '27 (D)
GMAT Focus 1: 695 Q86 V84 DI82
GPA: NA
Schools: Fuqua '27 (D) Yale '27 (S) LBS '26 (D) Said '27 (I) Kenan-Flagler '27 (I) Ross '27 (I) Booth '27 (D)
GMAT Focus 1: 695 Q86 V84 DI82
Posts: 30
Kudos: 11
Change of status - from L1A Visa to F1 08 Feb 2025, 07:52
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi

I currently work in India at a startup, with its parent company headquartered in the US. I recently got an L1A visa approved in Dec 2024 with a validity of 3 years. I will go to the US around early March 2025 for a short-term project for 2 to 3 months. I have applied to schools in the US for a full-time MBA in Round 2 and expect updates with decisions mostly around mid to late March. I will be leaving my job and then start the MBA program in Aug / Sep 2025 depending on the school. My questions are:

1. Will my current L1A visa status cause any concerns/issues with my F1 application?
2. What would be the efficient route? Applying for an F1 separately or to go for a change of status?
3. Will applying for an F1 visa automatically cancel the L1 visa that I possess
4. Any nuances in terms of timing/visa interview that I should be prepared for given the L1A status?
5. What would be the best time to schedule a VISA appointment? Do I have to wait until I have secured an admit or is it suggested to book an appointment now and reschedule it later based on need?

Thank you and let me know if you need further information

Venu
+918870101298
avatar
Arunava7393
avatar
Joined: 09 Aug 2024
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 98
Own Kudos:
32
Given Kudos: 159
Posts: 98
Kudos: 32
Change of status - from L1A Visa to F1 06 Aug 2025, 10:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Following
User avatar
bb
User avatar
Founder
Joined: 04 Dec 2002
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 42,382
Own Kudos:
82,109
 [1]
Given Kudos: 24,103
Location: United States
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
GPA: 3
Products:
GMAT Club Tests Forum Quiz
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
Posts: 42,382
Kudos: 82,109
 [1]
Change of status - from L1A Visa to F1 31 Aug 2025, 21:12
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Sorry, missed your post. These are good questions to run by an immigration attorney. Here is what I know in short:

  1. Will my current L1A visa status cause any concerns/issues with my F1 application?
    Having an L1A will not automatically block you from getting an F1. Many people hold multiple visas such as a B1/B2 tourist visa along with an F1. The key is that you enter the U.S. on the visa that matches your purpose, for example work on L1A or study on F1.

  2. What would be the efficient route? Applying for an F1 separately or to go for a change of status?
    You can either apply for an F1 visa abroad or request a change of status within the U.S. The better option often depends on your timing and school start date. Most folks often suggest a fresh F1 visa application abroad if there is enough time; this is usually easier and cheaper.

  3. Will applying for an F1 visa automatically cancel the L1 visa that I possess?
    No, visas do not automatically cancel each other. But your status depends on your activity. If you stop working for the L1A employer, you will fall out of L1A status even if the visa is still stamped in your passport. Similarly, if you leave school, you fall out of F1 status.

  4. Any nuances in terms of timing/visa interview that I should be prepared for given the L1A status?
    Because L1A is tied to your employer and F1 to your school, timing matters. If you will be in the U.S. on L1A until March or May and your MBA starts in August or September, you need to ensure you are in valid status during the gap. Attorneys can advise whether a bridge status is needed.

  5. What would be the best time to schedule a VISA appointment?
    You probably figured this out already but you need your official I-20 form from the school before you can even schedule the F1 appointment. You will have to wait until you have secured an admit; that's in part because they ask you on the application for appointment about your I-20 number and if you don't have it or it changes, you will have to fill out a new application (at least that was last year).



Venu01298
Hi

I currently work in India at a startup, with its parent company headquartered in the US. I recently got an L1A visa approved in Dec 2024 with a validity of 3 years. I will go to the US around early March 2025 for a short-term project for 2 to 3 months. I have applied to schools in the US for a full-time MBA in Round 2 and expect updates with decisions mostly around mid to late March. I will be leaving my job and then start the MBA program in Aug / Sep 2025 depending on the school. My questions are:

1. Will my current L1A visa status cause any concerns/issues with my F1 application?
2. What would be the efficient route? Applying for an F1 separately or to go for a change of status?
3. Will applying for an F1 visa automatically cancel the L1 visa that I possess
4. Any nuances in terms of timing/visa interview that I should be prepared for given the L1A status?
5. What would be the best time to schedule a VISA appointment? Do I have to wait until I have secured an admit or is it suggested to book an appointment now and reschedule it later based on need?

Thank you and let me know if you need further information

Venu
+918870101298
Show more