H1 to H4 COS timeline

[rayanalmeida]

Hi,

I am currently on H1B. Both, Visa and I-94 are valid till Dec 2013.

Now, I am planning to quit my current job. Oct 15th will be my last working day. (I will be dependent on my husband' visa)

I am also planning to visit India in the month of December 2012.

Here are my questions:

- When can I file for H1 to H4 COS? Can I file for it before I quit my job?

- Usually how long does it take for acknowledgment receipt and the approval?

- Between the time I quit my job and get the H4 approval, what is my status in US?

- If I don't get H4 approval by December and I travel to India, what happens to the application? I noticed on some forums that if I leave the country the application is abandoned. In that case, can I file a fresh H4 application from India?

Thanks in advance.

[metroguy]

1) Yes.

2) You can see the COS from H1 to H4 from USCIS site

3) You will be on H1 until your H4 gets approved.

4) From India, you can apply for H4 visa and have to go for stamping in india.