Hello everyone,
I’m currently on an H1B visa that will expire at the end of August next year (6th year, no extensions due to a breakdown in my relationship with my current employer). I hold a Ph.D. and am in the process of filing my I-140 petition. To maintain my legal status in the U.S. after my H1B expires, I'm considering transitioning to an F1 visa by enrolling in an ESL program or another degree program.
Here are my main questions:
I’m currently on an H1B visa that will expire at the end of August next year (6th year, no extensions due to a breakdown in my relationship with my current employer). I hold a Ph.D. and am in the process of filing my I-140 petition. To maintain my legal status in the U.S. after my H1B expires, I'm considering transitioning to an F1 visa by enrolling in an ESL program or another degree program.
Here are my main questions:
- Is it possible and advisable to change my status from H1B to F1 while my I-140 is pending in the US?
- Would enrolling in an ESL program or a different degree program be sufficient to maintain my status, and what are the risks involved in this transition?