sidster,
i would have to admire for what you did. good going and good luck.

NJgirl,
patience is required but once should not be exploited either.

Nepali_Thita,
if you already have your H1-B approval. best thing to do is find another JOB. and have your H1-B transferred. pay that extra $1,000.00 for premium processing and try to get the receipt before OCT 15, 2007. [ and/or file before OCT 15, 2007]
this way you do not even need to submit any pay-stubs and it will be a simple case.

transferring and/or filing after Nov 1, 2007 will get tricky and you would need an expert in this matter. so have to get a good attorney and a good employer.

xx-nepal,
regarding your question. Opinion of second officer will prevail. if your H1-B petition is approved then it invalidates your OPT from Oct 1. Hence, you would have to apply for change of status and your college will not let you work on campus till you are back in F1 status. but, lets you enroll. if your case is denied you would have to go back to your home country and get visa and come back. so, east thing to consider might be just go back home with I-20. apply for your visa and come back.
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as always,
what do i know (O: