F1 to H4 status change

[serepyelli]

Hello,

Currently I am on F1 visa and I am also working through my pre-completion OPT. My OPT expires on 28th February 2012 and my student visa expires in July 2012. Also I am married and my husband in on valid H1B visa. I would like to when exactly do I need to apply for my change of status from F1-->H4 in case I am not able to find a employer who is willing to sponsor my H1B. In that case do I need to apply for change of status before my OPT expired or can I wait till my F1 visa expires? I plan to work on my thesis after my OPT expires. I sincerely appreciate all the help in this regard.

[shervin143]

Your visa is just an entry document to U.S. You should file the COS from OPT to H4 before your OPT status expires. Once it expires, a COS will not work. Your documents should reach USCIS before the last work in your OPT. USCIS recommends that you file the COS at least 45 days in advance.