Has anyone changed from J-1 to B-2 using Form I-539?
I’m currently in the U.S. as a summer camp councillor on a J-1 Camp Counselor visa and I’m looking into applying for a change of status to B-2 using Form I-539. The camp has some serious issues that I am not comfortable with and I have decided to leave, I would like to stay for the summer with my girlfriend though so looking for a legal way to stay for 8 weeks.
I’m not subject to the 212(e) rule, and I’d like to stay in the U.S. for around two months as a tourist before returning to the UK. I wouldn’t be working and would be staying with my girlfriend.
Has anyone actually done this? Is it a legitimate option that gets approved, and were there any consequences for future visas or ESTA? I’d rather not get into the personal reasons for wanting to stay, but I’m mainly looking to see if I have options.
Thank you!