Converting H4 to F1 and eligibility for OPT

USA F1, F2 Visas - CPT - OPT
1

Hi,

I am on H4 visa since March 2012. I am planning to study Masters in Finance program starting in Spring January 2013. I had enquired the school admission office regarding studying on an H4 status, and they told me I can study on an H4 but in order to be eligible for OPT I should have completed 1 year of study as full time student with the university. But they mentioned that I should be on a F1 visa for that one year, is this true? Can I not convert my visa status later on to be eligible for OPT/CPT?

Please help answer, I looked online and found the information confusing! Appreciate your valuable responses!

2

DSO is correct. to be eligible for OPT u need to be on F1 for 1 year.

College DSO is the best person to answer this ( which he/she has done)!

3

Incorrect.
The “one full academic year” requirement may be satisfied while in another nonimmigrant category, not just while in F-1 status.

Source - USCIS

4
5

My friend is in the same situation. Univ has rejected OPT since she is on F1 for 6 months only but has been a full time student on H4 BEFORE this F1 status. I am looking for the actual legal reference.

6

H4 do not qualify for OPT program and so any time spent on H4 do not qualify to be counted against the time spend in college to be eligible for OPT.