H4 to F1 COS, Duration & OPT

[Abm]

Hi,

I am currently on H4 Visa. I am planning to apply for a CCL program from a community college in Phoenix. I have below questions:

1. How many days before the start date of the program can F1 be applied?
2. How many months I need to stay on F1 to be eligible to apply for an OPT (9 months or 12 months)?
3. If my semester starts in Januray'16 and my F1 is approved by March'16, will the semester be counted in my F1 duration to apply for OPT.

Thank you for your help in advance!!!

Regards,
S Pal

[krishna.ck]

Hi,

Did you get any information on this. I am also in the same boat.

Regards.