Hi,
I'm a visiting scholar with J1 visa (accompanied by my family) at a US university and I'm not subject to
two-year home residency restriction. My J1 visa expires on end of November, 2012, with the grace period ending
on end of December, 2012.
I also was admitted to the same university for PhD and I received my I-20s on 9th November. I will send my documents
to USCIS tomorrow to request change of status (J1 to F1).
My questions are:
1. Since it seems that I don't have enough time for change of status while in the US, may we stay in the US
even after the grace period (waiting for USCIS decision to be declared)?
2. My family and I are supported financially with a GA from the university. So does it make things better
if I mention in the documents sent to USCIS that "Please grant expedite: assistantship pending" as the
officials in the university recommend?
3. Can anyone give me a rough estimate of the processing time for my case?
A response from Mr. Knowitall will be highly valued and appreciated!![]()

