Question details
An applicant's spouse entered the US on a B-2 (visitor) visa while the applicant was on F-1 STEM OPT. The applicant was recently selected for the H-1B lottery and wants to know if the spouse should apply for a change of status to H-4 in the US or get a visa stamping abroad.
ANSWER
FAQ Transcript
Getting an H-4 visa stamping abroad is much cleaner. Applying for a change of status carries the risk that the government might claim she had "preconceived intent" to stay long-term while entering on a tourist visa.