Change of Status

<p>For example, an F-1 student in the U.S. can change status to H-1B if selected in the cap – USCIS approves the I-129 and issues an I-94 for H-1B effective Oct 1 (that's an F-1 to H-1B COS).</p><p>Change of status means you don't have to depart to 'activate' the new status. It's done on the same I-129 form in the H-1B process by requesting change of status.</p><p>If one travels abroad during a pending COS, that request is deemed abandoned. A person can also file I-539 to change status to a visitor or other classification during a grace period if needed.</p>