Hi Sajha users,
I was wondering if anyone have recently filed for change of status H1 to F1 and how quick it was done. I am told that once you send the documents to DHS they generally take 4 months for it to process. Is it true? i am supposed to start school soon but I am wondering what if status change takes longer or gets denied. Is there any chance for this H1 to F1 be denied. Please let me know what situations any of you here have been on. I appreciate all your inputs and suggestions.

Thanks,
Dreamworks

There is Lots of Chance being denied change of Status from H1 to F1.

Hi yesai,
can you please clarify? what can some reasons for decline be?It would be a great help for me. Please

one of my friend got laid off a couple of months ago, he had a genuine job with pay stubs and all. His change of status to F2 has been approved within a month time. Not sure about F1. If you have pay stubs, and also your financial docs. are good enough, I do not think there should be a big problem. Gud luck

Hi dreamworks,

I recently changed my status from h1 to f1. it took me around 41 days for the entire process. before changing my status I consulted with an attorney(shiela Murthy) she strictly advised on including 2-3 paystubb while filing COS. As there is no guarantee on whether the COS will be approved or not  depending on case by case but she gave me the probability 70-80% chances of getting approved with atleast 2 paystubb, 0% chance of getting approved without paystubb. and In case if it is rejected USCIS will send a letter to leave the country within 30 days. if you exceed this period(i.e u still remain in U.S) its considered unwanted stay and you'll have 3 yrs entry ban  if u stay illegal up 6 months you'll have 10 yrs entry ban if you stay illegal above 6 months but below 1 yr. and there is life long entry ban if you exceed over 1 yr after receiving notice to leave USA.

Also please file COS  atleast 60-70 days before the I-20 start date. who knows it might take longer than 40 days in u'r case. (Yes its true the website says COS might take upto 4 months). I hope this helps. good luck.

dreamworks,

http://www.sajha.com/sajha/html/OpenThread.cfm?forum=55&ThreadID=73797

 

It took a month for my COS from H1 to F1 process and it was approved last week. I'm still waiting for the paper documentation, but i checked online and its been approved. I included my last 3 paystubs and supporting documents. But in my case I'm taking full time classes this summer and graduating this December, since I had been taking courses while I was in H1B.

Its not that difficult for COS if you have genuine job and have paystubs.

Thank you everyone for the response.

I have started one class this summer already but my plan is to go to school full time so that i can finish my MBA soon. so I want to be full time from September. I have sent all my necessary supporting documents to the University's International advisor. I havent consulted any attorney yet but I am scared and I dont want to run into any issues. I am, however still waiting for her to send me the I20 so that I can send it to the DHS. She reviewed all my documents and said I should be fine. She asked me to include one paystub and a letter from my employer stating that I have been on status. Should that be ok or do i need to include all paystub till today. All my letters and documents were made a month ago.

Again, I appreciate responses from each one of you.

Thank you,

Dreamworks

Dreamworks,

Rational,
Yes they are. They tell you all the required documents needed and help you to review them before your submittal to the DHS. I believe International advisors in any university which accept F1 students should be able to provide this help.
Thanks

I am also working on the same case. I am in H1 and recently lost the job. I am planning on going back to school for MBA this fall. I have already applied in the school and everything has been approved but I still need to show them my status paper. I applied for H1 form the consultancy and it runs till the end of this year.

So my questions are:
1) I was told the school doesnt need to release I20 if we are in H1. I20 is only meant for F1. So can I apply to the school with H1 and then later change to F1?
2) Will I be considered out of status if the H1 gets expired before F1 is approved but I still go to school?

All of your thoughts will be appreciated.

Hi Details,
I think if you want to go to school while in H1 you dont need to apply for the I20. You need I20 only if you want to move back to being a full time student and obtaining a change of status from H1 to F1. I am not so sure about your question number 2.

Hey guys,

Hello dreamworks,

What is the status of your H1 to F1 now? Did you get your F1?

What are the options if chage of status to F1 gets denied? Please share your knowledge. Thank You.