H1b to F1 COS
Hey everyone,
Using a throwaway for privacy. I'm currently dealing with a complex Change of Status (COS) situation and just received the physical RFE details. Looking for insights from anyone who has navigated this or dealt with a similar RFE.
My Complete Timeline & Background:
August 2019: Came to the US on an F-1 visa.
May 2021: Completed my MS in Computer Science.
May 2021 – May 2024: Worked using initial OPT and STEM OPT extension.
June 2024: Started a Professional MBA (PMBA) program utilizing CPT.
April 2025: H-1B selected in the lottery.
October 2025: H-1B approved after responding to an RFE (Status changed F-1 → H-1B).
January 15, 2026: Unfortunately laid off by my employer.
March 15, 2026: Filed a COS (Form I-539) back to F-1 before my 60-day grace period ended. (To complete my PMBA course)
First week of May 2026: Upgraded the COS application to Premium Processing.
My Questions for the Community:
Has anyone successfully cleared such RFE ?
Job Hunt Strategy: Given that I am fighting this RFE to keep my legal status alive, is it worth it to aggressively fight for a new job/H-1B transfer over the next 6 months in this market? Or does this RFE make a future H-1B cap-exempt transfer too risky?
YOE - 4.5
And what is the best way to land interviews in this job market in IT sector?