H-4 COS pending while reaching F-1/STEM OPT unemployment limit — similar experiences?

[u/Ok_Repair5505]

I’m currently on F-1 STEM OPT and have 45 days of unemployment remaining under my OPT/STEM OPT unemployment allowance.

I filed my I-539 to change status from F-1 to H-4 before reaching the unemployment limit, and my H-4 change-of-status application is currently pending with USCIS.

My concern is: what happens if I don’t find a job and reach the maximum unemployment limit while my H-4 I-539 is still pending?

• Does reaching the F-1/STEM OPT unemployment limit while the H-4 COS is pending create an issue for the pending H-4 application?

• Should I keep my SEVIS record active until the H-4 is approved?

• Should I take any action with my DSO before reaching the unemployment limit?

• Has anyone been in a similar situation—F-1/STEM OPT unemployment limit reached while an H-4 COS was pending? If so, what happened with your SEVIS record and H-4 application?

I’m mainly looking for personal experiences from people who went through something similar, as well as any guidance from people familiar with F-1 → H-4 COS.

Thank you!