H1B to F1 to H1B no longer possible ?

[lame153]

With the recent change in how we need to be within one year of visa expiry to get Dropbox (essentially not needing to move out of country with the Dropbox) , does it close doors on the idea of moving to F1(for two years) and then coming back to H1B (as I need to go out of the country and get it stamped - getting visa slots and job offer at the same time for that to happen 10.0.0.0.1 192.168.1.254 )

[SkipLegalHelp]

Your plan to transition from H-1B to F-1 and back to H-1B is possible but much trickier now due to the new Interview Waiver (IW) rule. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. If you change from F-1 to H-1B within the U.S., you can avoid travel and the need for a visa stamp—at least temporarily.
2. If you travel internationally, getting a visa stamp may involve delays due to appointment backlogs.
3. Aligning interviews, job start dates, and travel plans can get complicated, and there’s no guarantee of approval.

Alternatives to F-1:

• Stay in the U.S.: Change status directly to H-1B and avoid international travel until you have more certainty.
• OPT/STEM OPT: If eligible, this can give you more time without switching to F-1.
• Cap-Exempt H-1B: Working for a cap-exempt employer (e.g., nonprofits) avoids the lottery altogether.

Recommendations:

• Talk to an Immigration Attorney: They can help you navigate this and assess your options. (I'd recommend skiplegal.ai I have used their services or you could use their AI chatbot for more clarifications)
• Weigh the Risks: If the main goal is to work in the U.S. on H-1B, F-1 might add unnecessary complications.