Sxc86

I would appreciate if somebody could answer to my question below.
****** My situation ********************************
I am currently a H4 holder(as a spouse of H1B), which will be expired
Jan 31.2004.
I received an admission with I-20 from a College. The class starts
Jan 12.2004.
****** My questions ***************************************
1) What is the best time to submit I-539 (app for change of status)?
2) Am I allowed to start taking courses just with I-20 ? (Or, I cannot
take courses until I actually receive the F1 ?)
3) If the answer to 2) above is yes, then can I register as a
part-time until I receive F1 ?
4) How long do I have to wait until I receive F1 these days ?
************************************************** ************
Surveys and web searches have been just confusing me.
So, any clear advise or comment would be appreciated...
Thanks !

Lulu22

Hi ...I don't think it's a good idea to attend classes since you don't have your F1 . That's how my lawyer advised me when i was in the same situation with you . The school will be happy to take your money at any times though . The processing time is 30-60 days . They decided on my case after 1 month . ( I was on J1 b4 , but I don't think that makes a difference ) . I'll say hurry up ! A lawyer will be of much help . Maybe changing to tourist visa will give you more time to file for the F1 . Like I said make an appointment with a lawyer as fast as you can .

Sylvia Ottemoeller

"sxc86" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

    > I would appreciate if somebody could answer to my question below.
    > ****** My situation ********************************
    > I am currently a H4 holder(as a spouse of H1B), which will be expired
    > Jan 31.2004.
    > I received an admission with I-20 from a College. The class starts
    > Jan 12.2004.
    > ****** My questions ***************************************
    > 1) What is the best time to submit I-539 (app for change of status)?

If your spouse will be able to extend the H-1B, you don't have to change if
there is no particular reason to change. H-4 status holders are permitted
to attend school full-time. It might be an advantage to retain H-4 status,
because you may qualify for in-state tuition -- which you will not as an F-1
holder.

If your spouse cannot extend the H-1B, you should apply to change to F-1
immediately.

    > 2) Am I allowed to start taking courses just with I-20 ? (Or, I cannot
    > take courses until I actually receive the F1 ?)

You may take courses while waiting for the change to F-1.

    > 3) If the answer to 2) above is yes, then can I register as a
    > part-time until I receive F1 ?

Well, that's tricky. If you register part-time, and then your change to F-1
comes through, you will be suddenly violating F-1 status because you are not
enrolled full-time.

I'd say -- either apply to change and enroll full-time while waiting, or
apply to change and wait for the change approval, and then enroll full-time
in the first available term after that.

    > 4) How long do I have to wait until I receive F1 these days ?

Not sure. Check I-539 processing times at your Service Center, here:
https://egov.immigration.gov/graphic...s/caseStat.jsp

Also, be sure to discuss all this with your internation student adviser.