Urgent Advise Needed -- COS F1 to H4EAD

[COSStudent]

Hello everyone,

Current situation –

I am currently on STEM OPT and unemployed. I have 29 unemployment days left (out of 150) that marks to 27^th Jan 2020 as my last day in the US in this status, if I do not land up with a job.

I am actively looking for job, but things are slow due to the holidays and year end. Hope things pick up in early Jan, as I am already scheduled for few interviews, but joining may be in the end of Jan or early Feb, but I will be out of status by then. Please advise on the below:

1.       How late do you advise to wait and then apply from change of status from F1 to H4?

2.       What is the current processing time for H4 and H4 EAD?

3.       Can I continue to work on F1 Opt while the change of status is pending?

4.       Can I travel once my H4 application is approved, but not the H4 EAD?

Looking for your expert advise in helping me understand the situation better.

As always, thank you for all your help.
Wish you and your loved ones, a very warm holiday greetings!

Edited December 30, 2019 by COSStudent

[User099]

1. If you are eligible for H4EAD, then switching from F1 to H4 asap will make sense. 

2. 5-6 months

3. Yes

4. If you have travel plans then save yourself the filing fees and go for stamping with the H1 approval notice of your husband instead of filing a COS.