Hello everyone,
I got my h1b approved for 3 years under counselor processing few weeks back and my STEM-OPT EAD(work authorization) expires on third week of June. As of now all the visa appointments are cancelled due to the coronavirus situation plus the travel ban and not sure when they are going to resume, I had my visa appointment scheduled for mid April 2020.
My question here is can apply for (Change Of Status)COS now and how long does it take to process and if COS does not get approved before my EAD ends, will I be still in legal status and allowed to work? If so can I continue working until my COS get approved.
I came across this special situations article which USCIS posted recently (https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/special-situations) but need more insight.
I appreciate everyone's help here, and stay safe.
Thanks,
You can file a Change of Status. USCIS won't qualify the current situation as a personal humanitarian crisis or special situation for you.
COS can be filed. Cannot work until petition approved.
COS could take 5-6 months and you'll have to stop working the moment your EAD expires.
No "humanitarian/special situation" here for USCIS to even consider.
