H1 to F1

[helcrase]

Hi All,

I am on a H1-b visa and I intend to convert to F1 visa.

My university start date is Aug 24 and I have not applied for the transfer yet.
My current project (H1-b) ends on June 30 and I plan to apply for transfer in the first week of July.

My question is, will I be out of status until my conversion gets approved ?
Also, how long does it usually take for the conversion ?

Thanks you very much.

[sk4ih]

It's not transfer, and it's change of status (COS).
You have to apply for COS before your H1 expires, else your stay in US is illegal.

Once applied, you're authorized to stay until you get a response form USCIS.

[kabkaba]

COS can take up to 3 months. In the meanwhile you may not be able to enroll. It is better if you go to home country and apply for an F1 visa and use that to enter.