H4 to F1 Visa or F1 COS, which is recommended

[Krit45]

Hi All,

I'm currently on H4 visa (have valid visa for next 3 years) and planning to do Masters in US. Though i am eligible to get admission in H4 and pay In-state tution fee, I'm converting to F1 visa so that i get OPT. My masters course is a 10 month degree program. Application deadlines are in early Dec 2017. I have few questions in deciding on F1 conversion.

1. From approval point of view which is advisable? F1 COS or F1 Visa stamping ?

2. Will F1 COS or F1 visa stamping rejection affect my H4 visa status ?

3. Does a student need to be in F1 for any minimum duration to be eligible for F1 or studying for fulltime in H4 and converting to F1 in last 1 or 2 months is also eligible for OPT?

4. Since the course duration is 10 months and generally COS takes around 5-7 months for approval , is it advisable to apply for COS once my admission is confirmed or can i wait and apply after completing 2 or 3 months of the course ?

Thanks!

[pontevecchio]

F1 Visa denial will not affect your ability to get a H4 visa. F1/OPT rules vary and hence first talk to your DSO. Which Masters takes only 10 months? as a matter of interest?