My 6 year H1B status ends on September 11th. I'm starting graduate school as a full time student with Teaching Assistantship this fall. The start date on the I-20 is Aug 19nd.

1) In form I-539, there is no begin date for the new status. Is it automatically the start date of the I-20? I want to apply for a change of status to F1 but continue working at my current job till Aug 15th. Is that possible?

2) If my change of status is still pending on Aug 19th, I can register for classes but can't work as a TA until the change of status is approved. Am I correct?

3) Which is the faster method? E-filing I-539 or sending everything together on paper? Is there any reason you will recommend paper filing over E-filing?

Thank you so much.