H1B to F1 (and back to H1B)

[vinayg]

Hi,

Apologies if this question has already been answered before but I could not find it in the forum archives.

I'm currently on a H1B visa and want to find out if I transfer to F1 does the clock on my H1B pause or does it keep on ticking?

That is if I've already used 4 years on my H1B and then I go to school on F1 for 2 years, do I have 2 years left on H1B or none?

Also can I apply for a green card on OPT?

Thanks,
Vinay

 

[talkative]

H1B clock pauses (but does not reset). So you'll have 2 years after you graduate. See: http://www.kkeane.com/h1b-faq.shtml

GC on OPT may be possible, but not a good idea. Changing to H/L and then applying for GC will make life much easier if it's an option.

~T