COS from H4 to F1 and H4 expiring in 5 months

USA F1, F2 Visas - CPT - OPT
1

Hi All,

I recently got admitted for MS program (STEM-Program) - Spring 2014 on H4 Visa.

I joined in April,2014 and now i finished one month in college and wanted to apply for COS to F1.

My Current H4 expires in September,2014.

  1. I have all my documents ready and my international advisor in school asks me to apply for renewal of h4 first and then apply for F1.

Can we apply like that ?

  1. If i don’t apply for renewal and apply for F1 any harm in doing that ?

Reason : I came to us on H4 and got H1b. Worked here for couple of months and went back to H4 (stamping issues).

and now was on h4 for one full year and applied for Masters.

Looking for some right advise.

Thank you !

2

  1. I am not sure why your DSO advised you like that. The rule is that you need to be in proper status when you apply for COS. Read US Visa Vs Status in USA, if you are not clear on the difference. Double check with your DSO on the reason for that…

    1. Well, you need to check with your DSO on the reason for his/ her advice. Technically, you are fine. But, you need to make sure that you understand your DSO’s perspective.

    You can also check with your employer’s Attorney for advice on COS.