I am currently on F1-OPT (end date mid-Feb '09). My F1 visa is valid until Nov. 2010. My H1-B from academia is pending approval. If it is approved, the start date would be mid-Dec '08. I plan to pursue higher studies from August 2009. Pls note that the OPT extension for me is ruled out as my employer is not part of the e-verify system.

My questions are as follows:

1) How can I convert from H1-B to F1 within the US?

2) How can I convert from H1-B to F1 outside the US? what are the risks involved? I will be taking just one trip back home in 2009 whereby I would either need to have my academic H-1B stamped in my passport or have a new F1 stamp?

3) If my F1 visa is denied in my home country- India, does my valid H-1B work permit also stand canceled.


4) If my F1 is approved from home country what is my re-entry status into the US ?