Engaged on F1 but not filing for adjustment until OPT year

[DC2011 0]

Hello,

First time I've posted. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

I am a Canadian who is currently in the U.S. pursuing graduate studies while in F1 status. My girlfriend (U.S. citizen) and I recently became engaged. We would prefer to wait approximately a year to get married for financial reasons but will do so earlier for immigration purposes if necessary.

We've been looking at the costs associated with adjusting my staus to that of a LPR. It certainly isn't cheap. However, there is a strong possibility I will obtain a position in my chosen field by the time I graduate (May 2011). I could then be working on OPT starting sometime this summer. At that point the cost of getting married and adjusting my status won't be an issue. If I don't find suitable employment we will most likely move to Canada.

My questions are as follows:

1. May I apply for an extension of my student status (i.e. OPT application) while engaged?

2. Are there any problems adjusting status during the OPT year?

Thank you again.