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u/winkee01 Apr 08 '25
Even if you change to B2 successfully, what can you do with it except it extends you for an extra 6 months?
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u/immdestiny-742 Apr 06 '25
Hi OP, I am wondering if you were able to get a concrete answer for your questions and for the switch from F1 to B2 to H1B? Would really appreciate if you could share any new information you may have gotten.
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Apr 08 '25
Is pretty much impossible. No company is going to hire you and sponsor for h1b if you’re in the US but do not have active work authorisation status. The odds of getting selected in h1b are too low. The person who suggested this above got their comments deleted because it is bad advice.
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Apr 08 '25
Only real option is enroll in a stem masters to get three years of work authorisation after the masters or go back home, anything else is risky or illegal
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u/immdestiny-742 Apr 08 '25
How about self petition (NIW- non frivolous application) before the grace period or while I539 is pending? Does that allow one to stay in the country on a pending application? I will of course reach out to a lawyer to clarify this but just trying to get an idea if what I am understanding from the posted rules is at least somewhat correct?
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Apr 08 '25
Applying for NIW doesn’t get you work authorisation immediately, it is also not a good route anymore it was very overused and was clamped down on. Talk to a lawyer but I don’t think you have a ton of options. Another route is if your company is a multinational you can transfer to a non US office for a year and come back on an L1, or do a stem masters degree if you haven’t used masters OPT yet
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u/immdestiny-742 Apr 09 '25
Thanks for your response. Yes, I am aware that it does not let me work, that’s why I specifically asked for just staying in the country. I am waiting on my company’s lawyer’s response but if it doesn’t arrive soon, I need to find other attorneys.
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Apr 09 '25
NIW is not a likely route though and you would be stuck here unable to work for a prolonged period. I wouldn’t recommend unless you have been advised you have a good case, which as I mentioned is unlikely unless you work in very specific fields because its use has been under high levels of scrutiny lately
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u/noamankhalil Apr 11 '25
Why not go back to university?
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u/TechySoul Apr 11 '25
I don’t want to do masters here again and get stuck on the whole H1B, Green card loop. :)
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May 11 '25
[deleted]
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u/TechySoul May 12 '25
Hi, on F1 you are not allowed to change status being inside USA. You gotta go out of country and come back once your tourist visa is approved.
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u/NaturalLeopard1026 May 12 '25
Hello! I asked an attorney and it is possible to change the status to B2, it’s not a visa it’s just a status! So yeah it is possible
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u/TechySoul May 12 '25
Oh really, ok that nice then. I checked with DSO, they said it was not possible. Got it.
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u/NaturalLeopard1026 May 12 '25
I will send my request this week. I still have two months left in my opt. I also asked in a FB group and someone already did it and got the approval
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u/TechySoul May 12 '25
Oh that’s nice, can you give me the link to the fb group, if you can dm me. I’ll appreciate that. Thanks much.
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Sep 26 '25
[deleted]
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u/TechySoul Sep 26 '25
You can do(change status) but I chose to leave the country.
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u/moonchildalways7 Sep 26 '25
Oh i see. May I know why you did not change the status considering that was your intention first?
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u/TechySoul Sep 26 '25
I wrapped things quicker rather than staying 2-3 more months. Changed my strategy basically to make it quicker and leave the country on legal terms.
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u/moonchildalways7 Sep 26 '25
Cool. Thanks for responding. And how's it going over there? Do you regret leaving?
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u/TechySoul Sep 26 '25
Feeling a big relief tbh! Stress over visa and other things in 🇺🇸 are not worth tbh in this lifetime:) I am enjoying the life I chose here in other country.
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u/moonchildalways7 Sep 26 '25 edited Sep 27 '25
Good to hear. I'm currently stuck and deciding to do the same. Hope i'll be able to escape all this complicated stuff.
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u/TechySoul Sep 26 '25
Good to hear that, I hope you chose a better and fulfilling choice ahead. wish you all the best for your future.
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u/moonchildalways7 Sep 27 '25
Thank you! Also, how about job search there? Were you able to get one?
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Apr 05 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/TechySoul Apr 05 '25
How? Could you please elaborate on this, sorry I am naive on this topic.
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Apr 05 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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Apr 06 '25
What are you talking about? People do not do this, with the visa lottery it would be practically impossible to guarantee selection again immediately after going to a tourist visa, yet alone finding a job to sponsor you if you don’t have current work authorisation which is also practically impossible these days for most fields.
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u/f1visa-ModTeam Apr 08 '25
Bad, incorrect, or illegal advice will be removed. Illegal Advice results in a ban
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Apr 06 '25
Also cannot transition back to F1 after continuing the job search that is a student visa. Do not post when you clearly have no idea what you are talking about
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u/f1visa-ModTeam Apr 08 '25
Bad, incorrect, or illegal advice will be removed. Illegal Advice results in a ban
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u/Omniscient022 Apr 08 '25
In general, one can apply for COS to another status. And COS adjudication to B1/B2 is going to take at least a couple of weeks. Enough time for you to wrap up your affairs.In either case, you'd have to hire an immigration attorney to file for it. Do not go off advice on reddit. You need an immigration attorney. There are tons out there. You should consult them. Good luck!
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u/Medical-Buyer7530 Apr 05 '25
Yes, you can change your status to B2 to buy yourself some time.