H1B to F1 after I140 approval

[mbahopeful]

Hi,
i apologize if this has been discssed before but I am really confused here. I am currently on H1B, with an approved I140. I have not filed for 485 because of retrogression. I am planning to apply to fulltime MBA programs starting next fall. 1. Is it possible to apply and get an F1 approved under these conditions? I dont think that retrogression will become current for my priority dates and hence I have no intention of filing for 485.
2. From what I hear it is ok to apply for F1 within US but not from outside US. Is that true?
3. And is it possible to get an F1 stamp later after getting an F1 approved from within US?

I would really appreciate if somene helps me on this one! Thanks a lot

Jeet

 

[gunt]

yes you can petition to change your status from H1 to F1 by filing at a service center as you are already in the US. Your approved i-140 will have no impact on your F-1, despite the fact that F-1 is not a dual intent visa, because it is the i-485 and not the i-140 which indicates immigration intent. However, you may experience some trouble from some border guards who are not aware of this. Nevertheless, you should be okay.


after you get the f-1 approval notice, the next time you try to re-enter the US you will show the approval notice and they will give you a new stamp in your passport.