Hi,I wanted a quick advice. I am on H1B and is going to get converted to H4.1. Do I have to have H1 valid till the whole H4 procedure is don...

Question

Hi,

I wanted a quick advice.

I am on H1B and is going to get converted to H4.

1. Do I have to have H1 valid till the whole H4 procedure is done? Or I have to have H1 when I apply for H4?

2. If I apply for H4, can I travel outside US while the change of status going on?

Answer

Yes, you need to remain in valid non-immigrant status until the I-539 is approved.

You should not travel outside the United States while your change of status is pending, unless you plan on validly re-entering as an H-1B non-immigrant.