Immigration.com

H-4 Visa

From H-4 to F-1

16 years ago By Rajiv S. Khanna

Some questions from the community:

I have been on H-4 for almost 3 yrs now, and starting my MS in Spring 09 (on H4 status itself). But now I want to change to F-1 for personal reasons. I have the following doubts. request your clarification:

a. If I want to get my F-1 stamped from India, do I need to submit I-539 form also to the ISO of my school ?

No. An I-539 is used if you want to change status within USA.

b. How long should I be on F-1 before when I will be eligible to apply for OPT and work using the same?

Rajiv's Comments in The Times of India - US to scan social media of all H-1B, H-4 visa applicants from December 15

1 week ago By Chief Editor

Published by: The Times of India - December 04, 2025
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-to-scan-social-media-of…

Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:

Rajiv S. Khanna, managing attorney at Immigration.com expressed dismay that a country which professes to be a shining beacon of free speech does not appreciate it.

USCIS Increases Screening, Vetting of Aliens Working in U.S.

1 week ago By Chief Editor

Release Date

12/04/2025

Maximum validity periods of some Employment Authorization Documents will be reduced

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its Policy Manual to reduce the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain categories of aliens. This update also incorporates changes to EAD validity periods made by recent legislation to ensure proper vetting and screening of aliens.

Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for H-1B and Dependent H-4 Visa Applicants

2 weeks ago By Chief Editor

Last Updated: December 3, 2025

As of December 15, the Department will expand the requirement that an online presence review be conducted for all H-1B applicants and their dependents, in addition to the students and exchange visitors already subject to this review. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for H-1B and their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.”

H-4 extension (I-539) abandoned by travel? Re-filing strategy after re-entry with new I-94

5 months ago By Chief Editor
Question details

I wanted to seek your guidance regarding my pending H4 extension application. Below are the details:

I am on H4 status with my current visa valid until August 29, 2025.

My husband’s H1B extension has been approved, and we filed my H4 extension (I-539) along with his H1B. I received my receipt notice on April 2, 2025. Due to a family health emergency, I traveled to India on April 29, 2025, and re-entered the US on June 18, 2025, using my valid H4 visa. Upon entry, I received a new I-94 valid until [insert the expiry date on your new I-94 here, e.g., August 29, 2025]. I would like to confirm:

Will my pending H4 extension (filed prior to travel) be considered abandoned due to my departure from the US while it was in process?

Should I apply for a new H4 extension application? Is it recommended to recall the current H4 extension application and immediately fill a new H4 extension? Or should I wait till I get my H4 withdrawal approved?

If so, do I need to file a new H4 extension application before the expiry of my current I-94 to maintain my status beyond that date? 

Is there any additional action you recommend in this situation to ensure uninterrupted H4 status?

 

FAQ Transcript

Your H-4 extension (I-539) will not be considered abandoned even if you travel internationally and re-enter with a new I-94 while it's pending. It's a common, though undocumented, rule that travel is permissible during an extension application, unlike a change of status. You do not need to refile your H-4 extension. For peace of mind, you can contact USCIS customer service to confirm.

F-1 COS -- Risks of future denials, job search, and visa stamping with multiple status changes

5 months ago By Chief Editor
Question details

My question is regarding conversion from H-4 to F-1. I landed in the US on an F-2 visa, which was later converted to an H-4. So I don't have a sticker visa on my passport. Now I'm trying to gain admission to a university and change my status to F-1 again. Would I face any issues in this matter now or later? If I don't manage to get a job later, would I still be able to stay and convert back to H-4, or could I possibly face a denial?

Secondly, if I go back home and get a visa stamp, can I face any potential problems because this is going to be my second master's and I've gone through three visa status changes in a short period?

 

FAQ Transcript

No, there's no limit to how many times you can change your immigration status within the U.S. As long as the changes (e.g., F2 to H4 to F1) are legitimate and not just for "fun," they should not pose a problem for future denials or visa stamping.

 

Recording for June 12, 2025, Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

6 months ago By Chief Editor

Immigration.com

Citizenship and Naturalization

Nonimmigrant Visas

Immigration Law

Green Card

FAQs: Is it legal to take "Paid Time Off" after the end date of EAD as payment for work done earlier?

Recording for May 15, 2025, Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

7 months ago By Chief Editor

Immigration.com

Nonimmigrant Visas

Green Card

FAQs:

1. H-1B extension beyond six years. PD is now current. I changed employer. Options.



2. Employer deducted H-1B premium fee — Will this affect visa stamping or POE?



Other Topics :

Subscribe to H-4 Visa

Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, PC



5225 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205

110 W. Johnson St, Suite 213, Staunton, VA 24401

Ph: (202) 909-1110

Copyright ©1993-2025, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, PC. All rights reserved.

IMMIGRATION.COM is a registered trademark of Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, P.C.