Hi,
I am working under H1B now (valid thr Feb-10) & will go to b-school on 8/3/09. I have I-20 & plan to apply for I-539 COS (H1B to F1).
1)When should I file I-539? Can I file now, or should I wait until within 30 days b/f school starts? I plan to file by end of May, quit job on 6/15/09 & take time off in US before my school starts. Is that doable?
2)Once I file I-539, do I have to keep working, or should I stop working? I got conflicting advices: Some said I should stop working after I receive USCIS receipt notice. Other said I should continue working to keep my H1-B status current till school starts.
3)Should I leave US when I-539 is pending?
4)If I quit job first, then file I-539 within 10 days, will I be out of status?
5)Is I-539 riskier than apply F1 visa from home?
Thanks!