Whether you get a visa at the U.S. Consulate abroad, or change status in the US, is going to depend on certain circumstances. For example, with an E-2 status, we much prefer to get the visa abroad because this will allow multiple entries for the applicant as opposed to only having this status while you’re in the United States. Another status such as an F-1, which is a student visa, can take a very long time to change status in the United States and is much preferable to get the visa at the U.S. Consulate abroad. There will be individual circumstances depending on the type of visa and the person’s needs to make that determination.