H1 to F1 transfer . Is there any grace period?

G

gc_seeker7

Registered Users (C)
Hi ,

I am applying for my visa transfer from H1 to F1 . Is there any minimum time between leaving your job and applying for F1 ? i would be applying after three weeks of leaving the job. Do i need any documents from my employer while applying for status change ?

thanks for your reply
 
Hi,

You'll need recent paystubs and letter from employer stating the dates of your employment. I don't know if there's a grace period...my guess is, if its within a month or so it should be fine. Make sure you have enough documentation with your application or you might receive an RFE.

All the best.

TheWho
 
thanks for your immediate reply

I really appreciate your immediate reply. Since you have been through the process , it would be quiet helpful if you can give the following information. Do i need to hire a lawyer to apply for change of status. If not what are the forms that i need to fill to apply for status change and what other documents would i be needing to submit along with my paystubs ? How much time does the processing take from california center .

Thanks a lot for your help.
 
Hiring a lawyer is not necessary in usual circumstances. Its very easy and anyone can file this. It took us 2.5 months from the day we received the receipt notice. Generally it takes between 2-4 months.
We submitted the following documents along with a letter requesting change of status:

1) Form I-539 with a check for $195/- (whatever the fee is now)
2) Original SEVIS I-20 for the XXX Univ.
5) Copy of I-797, copies of current I-94, H1b visa stamp and recent pay stubs.
4) Copy of Passport’ information pages.
5) Recent bank account summary (showing sufficient funds for a year's study).
6) Copy of financial documentation used to obtain I-20.
7) Chartered Account statement indicating family assets in home country.
8) Copies of receipts of course fees payment.
9) Copy SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt.
10) Class Schedule, Admission Offer Letter & Course Catalog.

The letter requesting change of status is very important and you need to state your reason clearly and in a couple of sentences as to why you're requesting your change of status and why it's necessary for to switch to F1 and the reason has to be compelling.

TheWho.
 
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There is no grace period, however, as a genral rule, pending petition gives you legal stay in the US. If you apply for F1 right before quiting H1 job, you do not have any gap.
 
H1 Transfer to F1

I did the conversion filing I-539, was rejected. Reason: there is a gap between H1 expiration (11/30/05) and school start (01/25/06). Is this a valid rejection? I-539 submitted on 11/10/05 online, and got the receipt the same day. The I-20 actually stated "Report to school no later than 01/25" NOT on 01/25.

Does anyone know how to appeal this?
Thx.
-DrewCA-


TheWho said:
Hiring a lawyer is not necessary in usual circumstances. Its very easy and anyone can file this. It took us 2.5 months from the day we received the receipt notice. Generally it takes between 2-4 months.
We submitted the following documents along with a letter requesting change of status:

1) Form I-539 with a check for $195/- (whatever the fee is now)
2) Original SEVIS I-20 for the XXX Univ.
5) Copy of I-797, copies of current I-94, H1b visa stamp and recent pay stubs.
4) Copy of Passport’ information pages.
5) Recent bank account summary (showing sufficient funds for a year's study).
6) Copy of financial documentation used to obtain I-20.
7) Chartered Account statement indicating family assets in home country.
8) Copies of receipts of course fees payment.
9) Copy SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt.
10) Class Schedule, Admission Offer Letter & Course Catalog.

The letter requesting change of status is very important and you need to state your reason clearly and in a couple of sentences as to why you're requesting your change of status and why it's necessary for to switch to F1 and the reason has to be compelling.

TheWho.
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