H4 CHANGE OF STATUS DURING H1B EXTENSION IN PROCESS BUT AFTER I-94 EXPIRATION DATE

Hi,

I need your help in below :

My Situation:

  • H1B Extension Filed : April/2018 (6 year ends in Aug/2019)

  • Previous H1B I-94 Expiration Date: July/2018

  • My husband working on H1B and has maintained status (I-140 was approved Oct/2017).

I am planning to apply for H4 COS so that in case my H1 extension is denied, I do not need to travel back to India and can stay here.

Questions:

I understand that I am in legal status for 240 days (starting from 07/20/2018) due to my pending H1B extension petition so I am eligible to file H4 COS.

  • Will my H4 COS petition be defined as “bridge” petition since I am applying for H4 after my I-94 expired?

  • Given that I am applying for H4 COS while I am in lawful status (H1B extension still pending)

    – What should be filled as the effective date for new status for the COS application (I-539). The decision date for H1B can not be foreseen.

    – Is there a way in the COS application to specify that status should remain current i.e. H1B if it extension gets approved otherwise it should change to H4.

    – If not, what will happen if my H1B extension gets approved, will I need to file COS from H4 to H1 that time?