H4 to F1 : Change of Status or Stamping

[asans]

Hi Folks,

I am on H4 visa currently and doing my masters from a top tier school. I intend to convert to F1. I was about to apply for Change of Status and I was suggested that since CoS is taking longer time now ( almost 5 months ), I would be better off traveling to India and get my F1 stamped using the I-20 that my University has provided. I have more than 1 yr of studies left.

So, is it better to travel to India and get my stamping done ? I understand that if my visa is denied during stamping I would have to travel back on H4. But, other than that are there any problems with this approach ? Please do let me know.

[krishna.ck]

Hi,

If you send the COS from H4 to F1 Petition (I-539) to California Service Center, they will approve with in 2 to 3 months. Vermont Service Center takes long time 5 to 6 months.

Regards.