J-1 visa to F - 1

[Bbatasari]

Hi everyone, 

I am a dentist currently practicing in Jamaica. I am planning to travel to US to attend a couple of internships at two different dental schools in 2019. The time-line is as follows :

1. School A - April 1 - May 31 , J-1 visa 
2. School B - July 1 - Dec 31 , F-1 visa.

Since I have barely one month, I am not sure as to how to switch from J 1 to F 1. Do I need to re-apply for the visa and attend the interview in person again ? In that way, I am afraid I may not be able to get a visa interview date in such a small gap.

or can I get my visa status changed when I am in the US, and move to the next school without leaving the country in order to continue without any break? I don’t want to miss any of these internships due to visa issues. 

I am very confused and worried. Please give me some guidance in this regard

Thank you! 

[pontevecchio]

Besides stating the obvious that the Schools should be able to guide you, you should be able to get a F1 visa appointment in June from here and can then go and get the F1 visa. In any case you can only be here in F1 status up to 30 days before the course starts.