[ankitpalit]

Hi,
I am an indian citizen, currently in US on h1b. I have accepted a job in india and my job terminates August 31st, 2008. I bought my return ticket to India on September 28th, 2008. It seems I have to apply for b2 visa. How can I change my status from h1b to b2 , just to stay legal. Do I just have to file form ds-156 and ds-157 only. Or do I have to fill up form change of status form. Your help will be appreciated ,
Regards
Ankit

[lawanwadee]

H-1B holders have 10 days grace period.. but if you want to stay in US longer then you must file I-539 to change your status to visitor. Filing must be done 30-60 days before expiration date, so this is a bit too late to file.

[ankitpalit]

What is your suggestion? Should I still file I-539, the problem is I-539 instruction pamphlet does not have specific recommendation for h-1b visa holders at uscis

[ankitpalit]

My H1B visa expries on July,2009. I am leaving this current job on August 31 st, 2008 and returning back to India. Can I still file I-539 and just ask for 27 days for stay in the country , just to visit my cousin and aunt before leaving this country. I have the return ticket with me. Can I just file I-539. I presume it will take them 2-3 weeks time to process the application. I was just wondering if this 27 excess days of stay will be seen as a negative thing in future visa decisions. I may have to come back 2 -3 years from now to conferences and on academic research kind of things. I am a bit worried if this will have a negative influence on future visa decisions. I have now ill toi stay in this country permanently as I have a permanent position in India.
Ankan

[lawanwadee]

File I-539, request for a 30 days stay. Make sure you have someone take care of your mail as you need to keep copies of everything. You may not receive any response but you'll be fine. Submit copy of this I-539 and notice from USCIS. etc. when you apply for a visa next time.

Since your request for extension is less than a month, nothing to worry about. Good luck.

[ankitpalit]

Hello Lanwandee,
Thank you for you help. I really appreciate it,
Regards
Ankit