I'm a grad student with an F-1 expired, but an I-20 valid until January 2027. This is my third master's, and I do not intend to complete it as I already have 2 and have working experience in the US under OPT and CPT. I took the Fall 2025 semester off, and will have to go back to school for the Spring 2026 semester starting on January 6, 2026, as I can not take 2 semesters off consecutively. However, my boyfriend and I want to get married in January, but we don't have an exact date yet.
1. Do I have to be enrolled in school and be a full-time student (pay tuition, attend classes) while the application and AoS are processing? Or does the valid I-20 suffices even if I'm not an "active" student?
2. If enrolled back in school full-time, could I apply to jobs under CPT (school allows it if enrolled as a student) and then change my info (name, address, marital status, etc) once I receive the work permit, and state I will not need sponsorship in the future?
3. I'm currently unemployed, but CPT would allow me to work full-time, as I have already completed OPT and am not eligible for OPT again.
