International Student dept at your school will have more information about that. Here's a link to Cornell Isso that you might find useful : http://www.isso.cornell.edu/immigration/f1/COS_F2toF1.pdf There is no restriction as such where you apply for F1 visa. If you intend to apply through canada, google cic canada and fill up visitor visa online application, single entry application costs $120. They will review your application and will let you know if you are approved. Once approved, you can mail your passport to Canadian Consulate at LA, they will send you back your stamped passport within next two days. Then take an appointment at US consulate in Canada (Calgary, Ottowa, Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto) In most cases, your passport will be ready go collect from US consulate in 2 days. Remember that your F2 visa will be annulled after you get F1. And, if you are not gonna get TA or RA, I guess you might as well do change of status in US itself.