Change of Status Definition (H4 to F1)

[axbycz]

Hi,

 

My Wife is planning to apply for COS from H4 to F1. All her documents are ready and University asked us to send the docs to issue her an I-20. I understand the below process for H4 to F1 COS 

 

1) school will give us the i20,
2) we need to pay the sevis fee
3) fill the i539 form (to COS from H4 to F1)
4) send the i539 form + sevis fee receipt + bank stmt etc to USCIS

 

we are planning  to go on a vacation out of country sometime end of july for a week and I know that if we leave out of country, COS is abandoned. If the school issues I20 before i leave for vacation, can i pay the sevis fee, fill I-539 form and mail the docs after the vacation. Does School issuing I20 is considered starting COS process? I would want to be ready with everything before the vacation and once i come back, I would just mail the documents packet to USCIS.

Also, my H1B visa stamp is expiring sep 30 (and my i-797 and my wife H4 is extended till 2016 --not visa stamp), Is it a good idea to travel out of US during this time?

[axbycz]

joef/pontevecchio/attorneys..can you share some information