Stop going to school on F1 visa while waiting for AOS

[birdie18 1]

Hi everyone, I am an F1 student and we filed for AOS last December. We are now awaiting our biometrics appointment letter. I would like to take a semester off to focus on research for my thesis. I understand it would affect my F1 status because then, I would be out of status since I won't be enrolled in school. I've been looking into this and have received mixed opinions from people. Has anyone had a similar experience and dropped out of school after applying for AOS? Thanks! 

[Mike E 11,742]

If you have your NOA1 from your I-485 then you have proof of authorized status and can drop out of school.   
 

Moreover some schools will not require an F-1 status to enroll if you have the NOA1 from your I-485.  

[aaron2020 11,651]

Once you stop going to school, you will be out of status on your F1 visa.  The pending I-485 allows you to be in the US.  Not a problem from the immigration side of thing.  

[birdie18 1]

4 minutes ago, aaron2020 said:

Once you stop going to school, you will be out of status on your F1 visa.  The pending I-485 allows you to be in the US.  Not a problem from the immigration side of thing.  

 

9 minutes ago, Mike E said:

If you have your NOA1 from your I-485 then you have proof of authorized status and can drop out of school.   
 

Moreover some schools will not require an F-1 status to enroll if you have the NOA1 from your I-485.  

Thanks for your replies!
Will there be any issues during the interview? Will the immigration officer assume I had immigration intent while applying for my F1 visa? There are so many opinions out there, I just want to make the right decision. 

[Mike E 11,742]

23 minutes ago, birdie18 said:

 

Thanks for your replies!
Will there be any issues during the interview? Will the immigration officer assume I had immigration intent while applying for my F1 visa? There are so many opinions out there, I just want to make the right decision. 

You’ve already made the decision when you decided to file for AOS instead of returning to your country and going the immigration visa route. Quitting school or taking a gap semester doesn’t change that.  

[aaron2020 11,651]

46 minutes ago, birdie18 said:

 

Thanks for your replies!
Will there be any issues during the interview? Will the immigration officer assume I had immigration intent while applying for my F1 visa? There are so many opinions out there, I just want to make the right decision. 

Immigrant intent is not considered if you are adjusting status based on marriage to a US citizen.  

[NandV 87]

5 hours ago, birdie18 said:

Hi everyone, I am an F1 student and we filed for AOS last December. We are now awaiting our biometrics appointment letter. I would like to take a semester off to focus on research for my thesis. I understand it would affect my F1 status because then, I would be out of status since I won't be enrolled in school. I've been looking into this and have received mixed opinions from people. Has anyone had a similar experience and dropped out of school after applying for AOS? Thanks! 

If you are focusing on research, you would still be enrolled in school but all your credits would be research hours rather than taking classes. I think you need to speak to your graduate advisor to make sure you are taking the proper units