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Advice for H1B to F1 change of status
I am currently in the US on an H1B (got it Oct 2015). I want to quit my job next year and go for a PhD, which will start in late August 2018. Assuming I get into the program I want (I will know by Feb 2018), here are some questions I need help with the following:
1. When should I apply for change of status from H1B to F1 and when should I quit my current job- I assume I cannot work for my employer after change of status, and also I cannot stay long (if at all) in the country if I quit my job before change of status.
2. Can I apply for change of status while in the US? Do I need to leave the country at any point (to get the F1 sticker on my passport, for example)?
3. I'm not sure how long USCIS takes to process change of status- but can I apply in March for change of status but ask that the change happens in August? Basically if at all I have to leave the country I want to leave for a short time only - just to get visa stamp, not for months at a time. Is this realistic?
1. When should I apply for change of status from H1B to F1 and when should I quit my current job- I assume I cannot work for my employer after change of status, and also I cannot stay long (if at all) in the country if I quit my job before change of status.
2. Can I apply for change of status while in the US? Do I need to leave the country at any point (to get the F1 sticker on my passport, for example)?
3. I'm not sure how long USCIS takes to process change of status- but can I apply in March for change of status but ask that the change happens in August? Basically if at all I have to leave the country I want to leave for a short time only - just to get visa stamp, not for months at a time. Is this realistic?
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