Hi there,

I am currently in US on H4 visa and my extension of H4 (I-539) is pending since May.  I have recently received admit from an US university for 1 year STEM course.  I would like to change my status to F1 to avail OPT / STEM OPT extension benefits. Now I understand that there are two  ways to achieve this:

1. File another change of status (I-539) from US itself ( As per USCIS processing time is 11-13 months)

2. Go back to home country and get F1 visa stamped

Due to long processing time of the first option, I think second option is much safer, but I would like to know your opinion.

Are there any know challenges that I may face in getting F1 to prove ties with the home country ?

Also, are there any limitation on getting OPT if I attend classes remotely ( but after entering US on F1)?

Thanks !