回複：863211,多謝！您知J1轉F1所需要的文件和手續嗎？需要請律師嗎？

Ask the school to issue I-20 and then, file I-539. Talk to the International Student Office and they will help the kid to do it. Provide the J1 I-94, copy of passport including the J1 visa page, and copy of the J1 document (Form DS 2019), etc. Not need a lawyer.

Here is a link about the procedure (read "B. Change by application to the USCIS" part)

 

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/visa/F-1/change_of_status_to_F-1.html