COS required for H4 from H1?

[geetha88.v]

Hi,

Please help me out.
As my F1-OPT Period ended after H1B got Approved and from Oct 1st 2016 I moved to H1B and its valid till Jan 2018.

As I have an urgent visit to going to India and while coming back, I want to come on H4.
Do I need to apply for Change of status before I go for Visa Stamping on H4? Else without any filling can I go directly on H4 stamping?

Can you also share the time needed for the change of status?

Thanks
Geetha

[raghvi]

Hi,

Please help me out.
As my F1-OPT Period ended after H1B got Approved and from Oct 1st 2016 I moved to H1B and its valid till Jan 2018.

As I have an urgent visit to going to India and while coming back, I want to come on H4.
Do I need to apply for Change of status before I go for Visa Stamping on H4? Else without any filling can I go directly on H4 stamping?

Can you also share the time needed for the change of status?

Thanks
Geetha

You can go directly for H4 stamping provided the interview dates are available.

Once you enter US using H4 visa, you will have to file a COS if you want to move from H4 to H1.

This is my opinion not legal advice.