I believe there are many who will need to convert their visa from H1 to F1.Let's use this thread to discuss those details. Few questions that I have. 1.I did my MS here and used my OPT for few months.Can I get another OPT after MBA? I heard different opinions on this. 2.If I go back home(India),can I save the time on H1 visa? 3.How easy is getting CoS while in USA?

Last visit was: 24 Apr 2026, 09:03

It is currently 24 Apr 2026, 09:03

Toolkit

Business School and MBA

The B-School Applications

GMAT Club Daily Prep

Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.

Go to My Error Log Learn more

Request Expert Reply

Confirm Cancel

Apr 24
Live Coffee Chat- MBA profile enhancement: How to fix your gaps in 4 months
08:30 PM IST
-
09:30 PM IST
Join us for a Live Coffee chat with Jenifer Turtschanow where we talk about enhancing your MBA profile and fixing gaps in just 4 months.
Apr 25
Begin your MBA admissions journey with a free 1-1 strategy call
11:00 AM EDT
-
01:00 PM EDT
Looking to secure a coveted spot at a top business school? Our team of seasoned MBA admissions consultants, including top B schools alumni and industry leaders, is here to help turn your dreams into reality. Let’s kick-start your journey to success!
Apr 29
MBA Class of 2028: AMA with Juno's Founder
08:00 PM EDT
-
09:00 PM EDT
Join us for a live Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Juno’s Co-Founder, where we’ll break down everything you need to know about financing your MBA in today’s rapidly changing landscape.
Apr 30
Applying from a finance background
10:00 AM EDT
-
11:00 AM EDT
Applying to business school from a finance background? Personal MBA Coach is here to help with this quick tips video on how to set yourself apart during the MBA application process!
Apr 30
Why Reach/Target/Safety Is the Wrong Framework for MBA School Selection
10:00 AM EDT
-
10:30 AM EDT
Sia Admissions Founder Susan Berishaj will walk through why reach/target/safety produces the wrong list for many specific profiles, how admissions committees at different programs read the same background differently, and more...
Apr 30
Amplify Hourly Packages
12:00 PM EDT
-
01:00 PM EDT
Starting at $975 and offering up to $545 of savings, our new Amplify Hourly Packages offer structure and support in certain high-value areas (story development, resume, essays, interviewing) to help get your applications across the finish line.
Apr 30
Consulting to PE/VC: How to Position Your Profile, Skills & Story for Top Roles
09:00 PM IST
-
10:00 PM IST
Thinking about PE/VC? Most consultants are. Few actually make it. Learn how to position your profile, build the right skills, and break into Private Equity & Venture Capital.

Back to Forum

Create Topic

H1-F1 conversion / general student visa questions

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

theDreamChaser

Current Student

Joined: 10 Dec 2009

Last visit: 28 Dec 2012

Posts: 137

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 1

Schools:Kellogg Class of 2012

Posts: 137

Kudos: 7

17 Mar 2010, 10:31

Kudos

Bookmarks

mschumy

Class2012

mschumy

Are u sure u can do that? If they reject your F1, can u still keep the H1-B? and if they do give u the F1, can u indicate a later start date so that u can come back to US on ur H1-B and resign.

Also, r we classifed under EB1 after MBA?

I doubt that.They Visa officer would first cancel your existing visa.

If you have a Masters degree,you can file under EB2.

I am already under EB2, but was wondering if we could change that to EB1 post MBA and not lose out on 4.5 yrs (my PD is Feb 2008) wrt immigration. I know that if u work outside the US for a yr and come back to US for the same company, they can file u under EB1.

i think it depends on your position~ pretty sure MBA degree (master degree) is a EB2, but if you are in some kind of executive position, then sure, you can be EB1. also, i think you are referring to L visas in your last point, that also have specific qualifier (executive position or managerial position) for filing under EB1.

vishwa

Current Student

Joined: 01 Nov 2009

Last visit: 10 May 2010

Posts: 38

Own Kudos:

Concentration: Foreign Market Development, Investment Strategy

Schools:Georgetown '12

Posts: 38

Kudos: 1

17 Mar 2010, 11:13

Kudos

Bookmarks

Class2012

mschumy

I doubt that.They Visa officer would first cancel your existing visa.

If you have a Masters degree,you can file under EB2.

The Visa officer would cancel the existing visa if F1 is approved. If F1 is rejected, we need to keep a close eye and ensure that he doesnt cancel the existing visa. I know a bunch of people who have multiple valid visas on their passport and at the port of entry they decide on which visa they want to enter US.

If they do give me F1, I dont plan to come back to US on my work visa. I am on L1 and I can resign at my home country office.

wiseguyMBA

Joined: 23 Sep 2009

Last visit: 14 Mar 2016

Posts: 198

Own Kudos:

[2]

Given Kudos: 2

Posts: 198

Kudos: 7

[2]

18 Mar 2010, 11:09

Kudos

Bookmarks

rao_1857

Ari123

Does anyone know how difficult it is to get F1 after my employer has filed an I 140 on my behalf. Has anyone tried to get an F1 in this situation. Please answer.

Thanks Ari,

thanks for bringing this up ... I am in the same situation adn have heard the same story (f1 deny). Can anybody post their experience.....

I believe it can be dicey, and depends on how well you can convince a Visa officer that your plans have changed. I got my labor and did not file for I-140 after getting admission.
I am also in the 6th year of my H-1, and can reclaim 7-8 months of H-1 from the past 6 years. I'm hoping firms will hire me with those 7-8 months and immediately file labor.
Else, to hell with US immigration..will find a job in India or Europe.
Guys, one thing i've realized is that there's no point fretting over situations like this. I think we're all doing the MBA for a much bigger reason than getting a job in the US only.

Good luck to all..
wg

charimaalu

Joined: 02 Jul 2009

Last visit: 27 Jan 2011

Posts: 4

Own Kudos:

Posts: 4

Kudos: 1

18 Mar 2010, 11:31

Kudos

Bookmarks

Alright. My question is simple, and I guess the problem too is simple...
I'm doing my MS right now. Visa is valid until 2013. Starting with MBA this fall (Class of 2012).
So, I presume all I have to do is - Get the new I20. Change the annotation on Visa. Is that right? And what is the procedure to change the I20 on Visa?

Chicken15

Joined: 22 Feb 2010

Last visit: 01 Jul 2010

Posts: 22

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 1

Location: San Diego

Schools:Fuqua (R2 w $), Darden (R2), Anderson (R2 w/int), Kenan-Flagler (R2), Kelley (R2)

Posts: 22

Kudos: 2

18 Mar 2010, 16:08

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hey Guys,

My immigration attorney mentioned changing I-140 to Consular Processing instead of canceling I-140. Am a bit confused, I was under the impression that canceling I-140 would be the best approach. What did you immigration attorney recommend?

snowinTX

Joined: 03 Feb 2010

Last visit: 19 Jan 2011

Posts: 87

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 20

Location: TX

Concentration: General MBA

GPA: 3.6

Posts: 87

Kudos: 16

18 Mar 2010, 18:36

Kudos

Bookmarks

wiseguyMBA

Else, to hell with US immigration..will find a job in India or Europe.
Guys, one thing i've realized is that there's no point fretting over situations like this. I think we're all doing the MBA for a much bigger reason than getting a job in the US only.

You're thinkin' what I'm thinkin' 8-)

cozmo8

Joined: 14 May 2009

Last visit: 16 Aug 2010

Posts: 68

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 12

Location: Phoenix

Concentration: Product Management

Schools:Kellogg, Wharton, Booth, Columbia, MIT, NYU

Posts: 68

Kudos: 4

26 Mar 2010, 12:02

Kudos

Bookmarks

I am hoping to get my H1B (with approved I140) to H4 conversion and go to school on H4. Anyone else in this situation? Is H1B to H4 less riskier than H1B to F1?

Ari123

Joined: 01 Aug 2009

Last visit: 25 Jul 2011

Posts: 213

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 4

Concentration: Finance,General Management

Schools:Ross (R1-Admit)

Posts: 213

Kudos: 12

29 Mar 2010, 17:17

Kudos

Bookmarks

Has anyone already withdrawn their I 140? My lawyer says that it might take USCIS several months to acknowledge the cancellation of I 140. Did anyone already start the process?

Class2012

Current Student

Joined: 18 Jun 2009

Last visit: 28 Sep 2016

Posts: 367

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 21

Posts: 367

Kudos: 36

30 Mar 2010, 06:39

Kudos

Bookmarks

Link which explains about the CoS procedure from H1 to F1.

https://www.isso.cornell.edu/immigration/f1/h1tof1.php

matchesmalone

Joined: 30 Mar 2010

Last visit: 10 May 2010

Posts: 2

Kudos: 0

30 Mar 2010, 21:14

Kudos

Bookmarks

forgive me guys if I'm posting in the wrong place!!

Could any Visa applicants from Bangalore PM me? We could discuss the pretty confusing Visa process and apply for a Visa together, maybe....

Thanks

mschumy

Joined: 31 Jul 2009

Last visit: 06 Apr 2010

Posts: 7

Concentration: Finance

Schools:ISB, LBS, HBS

Posts: 7

Kudos: 0

30 Mar 2010, 21:49

Kudos

Bookmarks

Guys,

Just wanted to run this plan by u all. I am planning on flying to India on may 27 and will schedule a visa interview to get an F1 visa (post dated). U can apply for and F1 120 days in advance, but u cannot enter the US 30 days prior to the Univ start date. So, assuming they stamp the visa, I can come back on my H1-B and resign from work (after working for a month or 2).I will still need to exit the country (maybe visit canada) and come back on the new F1.

What do u guys think? For the record, I have an approved I140. I spoke with USCIS and they said that I should speak with the VO in person and they will in all probability not have an issue with the GC process. I would need to make a compelling argument though.

(https://www.immigration-information.com/ ... #post16841)

Ari123

Joined: 01 Aug 2009

Last visit: 25 Jul 2011

Posts: 213

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 4

Concentration: Finance,General Management

Schools:Ross (R1-Admit)

Posts: 213

Kudos: 12

04 Apr 2010, 23:33

Kudos

Bookmarks

Just bumping the thread.

journey

Joined: 03 Mar 2010

Last visit: 05 Apr 2010

Posts: 10

Own Kudos:

Posts: 10

Kudos: 1

05 Apr 2010, 08:05

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hello, I have lived in the US for 10 years on F-1 and then H1-B visas. Now I am accepted to a MBA program, I need to apply for a new F-1. In my home country, it takes 2 months to process the visa because of background check and high volume of student visa applicants in the summer. This entirely screws up my travel plan for the summer (they hold my passport during that 2 months) therefore, I am thinking to go to Canada to get my F-1 visa.

Have anybody had experience like this? Notice, that this is not a F-1 visa extension, this is switching from H1-B to F-1 in canada as a third country applicant.

I don't want to take too much risk on the visa just to make my travel plans, at the same time i have been under legal status and traveled frequently back to my home country throughout my 10 years in the States. I also have solid prove of financial support to pay for school, and also reasons to return to my home country after graduation.

Please advise. I really need to decide asap!!

theDreamChaser

Current Student

Joined: 10 Dec 2009

Last visit: 28 Dec 2012

Posts: 137

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 1

Schools:Kellogg Class of 2012

Posts: 137

Kudos: 7

05 Apr 2010, 09:20

Kudos

Bookmarks

journey

so I am guessing you are either from India or China

you sure about the background check thing? MBA does not fall into the sensitive major catagory. You want to be a little careful with third country change of status, if your case is prone to background check, you can get background check anywhere, even in Canada. And then it means you get stuck there for 2 months... or so, it's possible that the visa officer will return you to your home country because they highly recommend people to apply to new type of visa in home country. If you are really concerned about this, doing a COS within the states is the safetest way I suppose.

journey

Joined: 03 Mar 2010

Last visit: 05 Apr 2010

Posts: 10

Own Kudos:

Posts: 10

Kudos: 1

05 Apr 2010, 10:06

Kudos

Bookmarks

COS as Change of Status? But that means i have to remain in the states, right? if i leave the US, i have to apply for the F-1 again, because i need to be stamped? The whole point of going to canada is because i need to travel overseas (non home country, non US).

Please let me know what does COS means exactly? and what does getting a F-1 stamp mean?

On the background check, there is a chance that i can get my visa quickly in my country, but it says on their website "highly recommend apply 2 months before travel dates". In canada, it takes 4 days to process, I just called them......

So, any advise? Thanks!

theDreamChaser

Current Student

Joined: 10 Dec 2009

Last visit: 28 Dec 2012

Posts: 137

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 1

Schools:Kellogg Class of 2012

Posts: 137

Kudos: 7

05 Apr 2010, 10:16

Kudos

Bookmarks

please read the previous posts on this thread for COS information, and yes, if you plan to travel out of country, you will need F1 stamp to come back.

praz

Joined: 24 Nov 2008

Last visit: 16 Jan 2015

Posts: 228

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 6

Concentration: Finance

Schools:Columbia Business School Class of 2012

Posts: 228

Kudos: 28

05 Apr 2010, 11:58

Kudos

Bookmarks

do u mean to say u are gonna keep the I-140 and go to india to try and get a F1?
all the lawyers i talked to suggested withdrawing i-140 first. no consensus on whether CoS while in usa or visiting consulate in home country is better. i might just adopt the CoS approach and then stamp the F1 once I start school.

mschumy

mschumy

Joined: 31 Jul 2009

Last visit: 06 Apr 2010

Posts: 7

Concentration: Finance

Schools:ISB, LBS, HBS

Posts: 7

Kudos: 0

05 Apr 2010, 17:57

Kudos

Bookmarks

Yes. The fact that you had applied for a GC establishes intent in anycase. So, the likelihood of not getting the F1 based on GC app is always there regardless of whether u withdraw ur 1-140 or not. It boils down to the VO in both cases. Please note that this is what I am planning to do and wouldnt necessarily advise others on doing the same.

praz

mschumy