Beating H1B Layoff: H1B to F1 Transition for Laid-Off Google Engineer

Background

On May 12, 2023, ZH, a previous Google engineer under an H1B visa, reached out to GoElite for urgent assistance. He was laid off with H1B visa set to expire on May 31, and wanted to change his status from H1B to F1 to secure and extend his legal status. However, although he had earned two STEM graduate degrees in engineering, he chose to apply for an associate degree in Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping from a community college, and waited weeks for the admission letter .

Challenge

How We Helped Our Client

Our team of visa experts and education consultants acted promptly on ZH's urgent situation. Here’s how we addressed his challenges:

1. Identifying Suitable Universities: We helped ZH explore other universities and determined that a Day 1 CPT university was a better choice than the community college he had initially applied to. This option allowed him to receive the admission letter and I-20 document within two weeks, a safer and quicker route compared to waiting for the community college’s admission documents. Additionally, with the CPT work authorization, ZH could seek employment in the U.S. despite having maxed out his previous H1B. The Day 1 CPT program enabled him to pursue full-time, part-time, or contract jobs, minimizing any career gap on his resume and maximizing his job opportunities.

2. Choosing an Appropriate Program: Based on his location in California, we recommended the MBA program at Westcliff University in Irvine. Proximity to the school was crucial for USCIS when reviewing the H1B to F1 change of status application. Moreover, since ZH did not have a degree in business, pursuing an MBA would enhance his previous engineering degrees, strengthening his case for a successful H1B to F1 transition.

3. Expedited Application Process: Utilizing our expedited service, ZH secured the offer letter and I-20 document within two weeks. Collaborating closely with an immigration attorney, we swiftly assisted him in filing the I-539 form and drafting the change of status intent explanation letter. All necessary materials for his H1B to F1 change of status were filed on May 25, just days before his H1B expiration date, ensuring a timely and efficient application process.

Result

The process proceeded smoothly without any RFE, illustrating GoElite, Inc.'s efficiency in handling urgent change of status cases. ZH received his receipt notice on June 9, completed his biometrics on June 21, and was granted his F1 status change on July 25. He later landed on a software engineer job offer at an automative company, and started working with Day 1 CPT.

By providing these tailored solutions, we successfully navigated ZH through the complex process of changing his status from H1B to F1, securing his continued legal residency and education in the U.S. This efficient handling of the H1B to F1 change of status process ensured ZH could remain in the country without any legal interruptions.