Comment by tzsentosa
5 hours ago
I'm currently on an F-1 STEM OPT got the H1B Lottery. I need to travel in August. If my H1B is approved before my travel date in August, would I be able to keep my 'Change of Status' status if I come back using my F-1 visa? I do not want to trigger the $100k H1B fee if it switches to Consular Processing. Is it risky? Should I stay in the U.S from approval until October 1st?
Historically, travel while in F-1 STEM OPT status after the approval of an H-1B change of status petition and return prior to October 1st would not impact the change of status request. It's not clear how USCIS is going to view this now so given the uncertainty and the repercussions if wrong, we are advising our clients to remain in the U.S. from the time of filing the H-1B petition until October 1st (or even later if the petition isn't approved by then).
Thank you!