COS but Haven't Approved Yet

[Pickle]

Good evening,

My current H1B visa is going to expire in two weeks. I did a COS to J-1 visa back in early May 2012 and received a RFE in late July. USCIS has resumed my application after receiving the documents for the RFE. It says within 60 days (from July 30) to give me an answer.

Can I still stay in the country (cannot work of course) and wait for their decision, assuming by end of my H1B I still haven't heard from them?

Doesn't anyone know?

Thank you.

Pickle

[pontevecchio]

What would the J1 visa be for?

[Attorney_10]

Generally, an individual may remain in the U.S. while a timely application for a change of status is pending. Once one's current status expires, s/he will remain in the U.S. in a period of authorized stay until a final decision is made on the change of status application. Please schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss the specific facts of your case and the steps that must be taken to ensure compliance with the immigration laws at all time.

[Pickle]

Thanks Attorney_10.