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Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 2016, May 19
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
FAQ: Changing back to F-1 student status after filing for green card; I-94 given for duration shorter than entitled; H-1B amendment when change of cities; Impact of traveling while H-1 extension is pending; Birth certificate non-availability, affidavit; Changing jobs after I-140 approval; STEM OPT extension for consulting or staffing companies; Effect of divorce on an employment-based case and cross-chargeability; Transferring H-1 subject to cap, cap-gap extension; Remedy for denial of I-485 AOS; Sued by employer.
Other: Effect on relative petition if petitioner loses their green card; Revocation of I-140; Porting priority date; Changing jobs H-1 or EAD, converting from EAD to H-1; F-2 out of status converting to H-4; H-4 family traveling while H-1 extension is pending; CAP-GAP extension and drivers license; Effect of relocation to India during green card processing; Visa stamping for H-4 out of status, etc.
F-1 COS -- Risks of future denials, job search, and visa stamping with multiple status changes
Question details
My question is regarding conversion from H-4 to F-1. I landed in the US on an F-2 visa, which was later converted to an H-4. So I don't have a sticker visa on my passport. Now I'm trying to gain admission to a university and change my status to F-1 again. Would I face any issues in this matter now or later? If I don't manage to get a job later, would I still be able to stay and convert back to H-4, or could I possibly face a denial?
Secondly, if I go back home and get a visa stamp, can I face any potential problems because this is going to be my second master's and I've gone through three visa status changes in a short period?
FAQ Transcript
No, there's no limit to how many times you can change your immigration status within the U.S. As long as the changes (e.g., F2 to H4 to F1) are legitimate and not just for "fun," they should not pose a problem for future denials or visa stamping.
H-4 extension (I-539) abandoned by travel? Re-filing strategy after re-entry with new I-94
Question details
I wanted to seek your guidance regarding my pending H4 extension application. Below are the details:
I am on H4 status with my current visa valid until August 29, 2025.
My husband’s H1B extension has been approved, and we filed my H4 extension (I-539) along with his H1B. I received my receipt notice on April 2, 2025. Due to a family health emergency, I traveled to India on April 29, 2025, and re-entered the US on June 18, 2025, using my valid H4 visa. Upon entry, I received a new I-94 valid until [insert the expiry date on your new I-94 here, e.g., August 29, 2025]. I would like to confirm:
Will my pending H4 extension (filed prior to travel) be considered abandoned due to my departure from the US while it was in process?
Should I apply for a new H4 extension application? Is it recommended to recall the current H4 extension application and immediately fill a new H4 extension? Or should I wait till I get my H4 withdrawal approved?
If so, do I need to file a new H4 extension application before the expiry of my current I-94 to maintain my status beyond that date?
Is there any additional action you recommend in this situation to ensure uninterrupted H4 status?
FAQ Transcript
Your H-4 extension (I-539) will not be considered abandoned even if you travel internationally and re-enter with a new I-94 while it's pending. It's a common, though undocumented, rule that travel is permissible during an extension application, unlike a change of status. You do not need to refile your H-4 extension. For peace of mind, you can contact USCIS customer service to confirm.