H4 to F1 ----->>>>BIGGGG Problem .... PLEASE HELPPPP?

Question

I am currently in New York on an H4 visa. I have been admitted to a college in Boston for my MBA (Full time) which starts in May 2008.I want to pursue the MBA on an F1 visa for which I have not yet applied, but will be doing so by Mar 2008 end.My MBA is a 1 year course.Will I be eligible for the OPT after a 1 year course on the F1 status? My primary concern is this: will my status be considered as F1 from the day I apply for visa change (Mar 2008 end)/ from the day I join school (May 2008) / or from the day I receive the F1 visa (which could be about 2 months after school starts). Will I have to apply for my OPT 12 months after I apply for F1 / start school / receive F1? This is important because if my F1 status is considered from the day I receive the F1 visa, 2 months after school starts, then I cant apply for the OPT before the end of the 4th quarter of MBA (that will be be 10 months after I receive the F1).Also how to tackle OPT - H1 Gap?

Thanks a ton.

Answer 1

1. You should be eligible for OPT after your MBA course.

2. F1 will be from the day you got F1. You can study on your H4 if you want to.

3. This is a little tricky. the USCIS expects  you to submit your application no earlier than 90 days prior to having being enrolled for one full academic year. There is no mention of one full academic year on any particular visa. It would be best to check with your college authorities or with a lawyer.