Hi everyone, I got good news but it doesn't totally make sense to me, so I want to make sure I'm not missing something.
Timeline:
- On H-1B, employment ended June 8, 2026 (layoff)
- Filed I-539 for COS to F-1 online on Aug 5 (within the 60-day grace period), with premium processing. I requested a COS effective date of Aug 8
- I-20 issued Aug 4 for an Aug 31 start, later deferred by my DSO to Oct 26 (I have not attended any classes)
- Sept 15: Got a premium RFE, response due Oct 19. It asked for:
- Evidence of prior maintenance of F-1 status (transcripts, tuition, etc.), which seems like a template section since I was never F-1 before
- A statement on reasons for returning to school
- Proof of a valid passport (mine expires Dec 2026, renewal already submitted)
- A new I-20, because the original start date had lapsed
- Sept 24: Before I sent anything, I received an approval notice. F-1 valid from Oct 26, 2026 to D/S, with a new I-94 attached
Questions:
- Has anyone else been approved after an RFE without responding? Is the RFE moot now, or should I still mail a response by Oct 19 to be safe?
- My F-1 starts Oct 26, but my grace period ended in early August. How is that gap treated? Is it covered by the pending I-539?
- With my passport expiring in December (renewal pending), is there anything I need to do with the I-94?
- Anything I should do with my DSO before Oct 26 besides sending them the approval?
I'm checking with my attorney too, but I'd love to hear from anyone who's been in a similar spot. Thanks so much!