I have a high case number, 2011AS00033xxx, and I am trying to decide whether to go with AOS or CP or just not proceed with the application. I currently have an F1 visa and from what I understand from reading through multiple discussion threads, in case I get rejected or they run out of visas before I can get interviewed, I won't be able to (or have minimal chance) to renew my F1 visa. If this happens through consular processing, I guess that means I am stuck in my home country. But what would happen if I chose to do AOS and somehow I got denied or they run out visas before my interview? Would I have to leave the US? Or would I be able to continue studying but unable to re-enter if I leave the US? I have a clean record so I don't expect any problems but the combination of my case number being too high and this issue of F1 renewal has been bugging me. I have about 2 yrs left in my PhD and it would be a shame to lose my F1 status at this point. Considering many of my friends with PhD degrees have gone on to get a greencard quite easily through their employers, I am trying to decide if this whole thing is worth the risk. If I had a low case number, I would have been less worried about these things, but alas, 33xxx for Asia seems quite high.