Number: According to my International office - advisor, one should have his/her I-20 issued before OPT expires ( that means 2 month grace period doesn't count toward ) to remain in status. If you don't want to stay here have you I-20 ready since your OPT is expiring soon. After your H1-B approves you are no longer a student and if you want to have your I-20 then you are back to F1 again - simple as that. So, in this case shot an email to your lawer and international advisors. They will give professional opinion. For me, I am going back to Nepal so didn't explore more. I don't have premium processing ( Masters). My lawyer says it may take up to 3 months for confirmatin and there will be no problem going back home even if H1-B don't arrive until July ( by then i have to leave U.S). USCIS will send the notice (H1-B) to KTM U.S visa office upon approval. Let's see how things develop. Again, you act fast if you plan to stay here. -BD