H1b to F1 COS

[anurag0705]

Hi,

 

Below is my situation currently, would like to understand what are my best possible options

 

I am currently on an H1b visa working in US. Current I-94 expires in September 2015. I am in US from 2013. Now, I am planning to start with a 1 year MBA program. I have got an admission offer from a reputed university last week. The course starts in May 1st week.

 

1) Since it is only around 2 months to the start of the program, can I file for a COS from H1 to F1 and start studying while the COS is in process?

 

2) What happens if I do not get an approved COS before my current I-94 expires and I am still in the middle of the program?

 

3) Since it is a full time program, I will not be able to work, so what will be my status from May 2015 till I get an approved F1?

 

4) As I am already in US, I believe COS is the better option or should I go back to my home country and get an F1 from there. Will there be any issues in this, since I have already worked in US before?

 

Thanks in advance for any help that I can get.

 

[jairichi]

1. Yes.

2. You are in valid status.

3. Refer 2.

4. Depends on you. If you do not have an I-140 approved you are fine to move to F1 status.

[pontevecchio]

You can file a COS to F1. You HAVE to run the scenario by the ISA/DSO at your college and act accordingly.

[anurag0705]

Thank you for the response. I do not have an I-140 . I am discussion the scenario with my university too.

 

Want to be sure which will the better option of the two, before I go ahead.

 

 

[anurag0705]

One more question - Is there a premium processing option available for this kind of case. Change of Status from H1 to F1

[jairichi]

One more question - Is there a premium processing option available for this kind of case. Change of Status from H1 to F1

No premium processing. To move immediately to F1 just exit and enter US with a valid F1 visa.

[asher13]

I am in a similar situation except I did my Masters in Computer Science from US and I own two properties (one where i Live and one I rent out). Does owning a property while on H1B and then moving to F1 cause an issue?