F1 transfer to H4

[fannyliu1980]

Can someone tell me where to find the lists of documents to file for status-of-change from F1 to H4?
Thank you

[kabkaba]

Proof of current status,
I-20 copy,
F1 Visa copy if any,
F1 I-94 copy both sides,
A letter from school or transcripts/documents showing full-time registration,
SEVIS fee receipt copy,
copy of passport data pages

Proof of spouse's H1 status,
petition approval notice,
H1 Visa copy if any,
copy of passport data pages,
copy of latest H1 I-94,
last 2 paystubs,
letter from employer stating current employment if possible

Proof of relationship, (marriage certificate)

and a cover letter explaining change of status.

Form I-539 must be received by USCIS before the current F1 status ends. (End of full-time student status or OPT + 60 days).

[fannyliu1980]

Thanks for your reply.
If I file my Form I-539 to USCIS before my graduation but not get approval after I graduate, what should I do? Will be I illegal?
I really confused about the time I should send my files to USCIS. Let's say I have applied for the graduation this August and the original I20 shows expiration date will be Jan 2013. When should I file for COS?

Thanks again.

Proof of current status,
I-20 copy,
F1 Visa copy if any,
F1 I-94 copy both sides,
A letter from school or transcripts/documents showing full-time registration,
SEVIS fee receipt copy,
copy of passport data pages

Proof of spouse's H1 status,
petition approval notice,
H1 Visa copy if any,
copy of passport data pages,
copy of latest H1 I-94,
last 2 paystubs,
letter from employer stating current employment if possible

Proof of relationship, (marriage certificate)

and a cover letter explaining change of status.

Form I-539 must be received by USCIS before the current F1 status ends. (End of full-time student status or OPT + 60 days).

[kabkaba]

You can file any time before last day of classes + 30 days (if you are not applying for OPT). You will be allowed to remain in the US as long as I-539 remains pending. If you are not using F1 privileges such as on-campus work authorization, you are allowed to study in H4 status as well and so you can apply anytime now. Remember, once change of status gets approved, you must stop working. Why are you not applying for OPT?

[fannyliu1980]

My concern is if I apply for OPT first and then get approval for COS to H4, in the future I can not apply for OPT any more...I just wonder if I save my OPT, is it possible for me to use this OPT in the future. For example, if later with H4 status, one employer wants to hire me, can I use OPT for work while waiting for H1B?

Thanks!

You can file any time before last day of classes + 30 days (if you are not applying for OPT). You will be allowed to remain in the US as long as I-539 remains pending. If you are not using F1 privileges such as on-campus work authorization, you are allowed to study in H4 status as well and so you can apply anytime now. Remember, once change of status gets approved, you must stop working. Why are you not applying for OPT?

[kabkaba]

No. There is no saving OPT.
If you want OPT, it has to be immediately after your degree completion. Don't apply for COS to H4 if you want OPT. OPT is part of F1 status, once you change it, there is no turning back.

[fannyliu1980]

Thank you!

No. There is no saving OPT.
If you want OPT, it has to be immediately after your degree completion. Don't apply for COS to H4 if you want OPT. OPT is part of F1 status, once you change it, there is no turning back.

[nehs]

The only reason why you may want to save your OPT is if you foresee going in for another master's degree. if you do not foresee such a situation then no point in "saving " OPT

[djs]

Hi,

Where do I have to pay the SEVIS fee if any for transfer from F1 to H4?

Thanks,
DJS

[mazhar20_in]

paying SEVIS fees

Hi,

Where do I have to pay the SEVIS fee if any for transfer from F1 to H4?

Thanks,
DJS

Hi
You can pay SEVIS Fees in axis bank , citi bank, punjab national bank