I am j1 from Ukraine. Can I transfer my j1 status to F1 so that i can go back to school in USA?

A J-1 visa holder is not precluded from obtaining an F-1 visa. Although the rules would seem to say that the F-1 visa should be obtained outside the US, U.S.C.I.S. has accepted and processed changes of status to F-1 student from J visa holders over the years who were not subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement.Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.  

If you have no foreign residency requirement, you may change status if you are still in J-1 status.