Hello,
I will be applying for a COS (using I-539) next week and have the following questions.

1) Will the original I-20 I send to USCIS be returned to me (or to the school)? If not, will the school issue me a new one since I will need an I-20 to travel abroad?

2) What about I-94? Instructions to I-539 clearly ask for the original I-94 but can I send a photocopy to be on the safe side?

3) When will the COS be effected? My I-20 has a starting date of 08/15/2010. Does this mean the COS will happen from 07/15/2010 OR simply from the date my application is reviewed and (hopefully) accepted by the USCIS office?
OR can I request a date myself (say 07/30/2010)?

Thanks!