Change of Status from F-1 to H1b after H1B approval with consulate process

[immigration_2008q]

Hello,
Do you have to use an I-129 amendment or a I-539 change of status form if I am currently in USA working in OPT (F1) status but have an approved H1B starting from October 1st. I am looking to see if there is an option to file Change of Status form by staying in USA as an alternative to getting stamping by going out of the country. Always been in status here in USA and there are no status issues but just trying to avoid the cost of travelling abroad if at all there is a way to do change of status. H1B got approved but did not have I-94.

Thanks.

[jairichi]

Hello,

Do you have to use an I-129 amendment or a I-539 change of status form if I am currently in USA working in OPT (F1) status but have an approved H1B starting from October 1st. I am looking to see if there is an option to file Change of Status form by staying in USA as an alternative to getting stamping by going out of the country. Always been in status here in USA and there are no status issues but just trying to avoid the cost of travelling abroad if at all there is a way to do change of status. H1B got approved but did not have I-94.

Thanks.

You have no other option other than exiting US and re-entering with a H1B visa.

[ge145]

You need to travel when I-94 is not provided.