H1B to F1 to OPT to H1B

[Veng_2019]

Hi,

I am currently on H1B status and would like to change status to F1 for MS and back to H1B after 14 months.

I have got admit to a good regular University (not Day 1 CPT) for a 1 year MS program. I would like to join the University as I am interested in studying. My job is good and I would prefer to work as long as possible without compromising on F1 and OPT status. My classes will start by Aug 2019 and end by mid June 2020.

1. Can you please tell if H1B to F1 to H1B is possible in this time span of less than 18 months?

3. Will I be subjected to H1B lottery after my MS degree with a new employer? I will still have 2 years of my 6 years H1B quota left assuming that I will be in F1 status for about 14 months in between and within the country

2. What is the latest I should date/ month that I should Change Status to F1 so that I am eligible for OPT?

3. If I wait till December for my  F1 start date in my H1B to F1 COS, will I be eligible for CPT in January as there is a mandory Intenship component in the coursework?

Additional details: My H1B is approved till 2021. I was picked in H1B lottery in 2013. Also this is my first masters degree, I have not used CPT or OPT before.

 

Thanks!

[hbadger]

1 - yes

2 - H1 Lottery - No

3 - If its a full time course, you should be on F1 when it starts - I am assuming your employer will not pay for you to go to full time school.