You raise important questions. The answers are complex and it is best to retain an expereinced immigration attorney to answer and guidde you.

You may accept "external" funding as it appears to be contractual and nothing to do with authorization to work, as an F-1. It may be wise to...

Some great points were made by my colleagues above. USCIS online updates are occasionally unreliable. However, my assessment appears truer than not...

Possible but it depends. This appears to be complex. Additional information and competent lawyer are required.

Consult a Canadian immigration lawyer for guidance.

Share your immigration history and documents with a competent counsel for verification and counsel.

Yes, passport photos are mandatory.

Yes, it is possible for multiple employers to file H1B for different clients after getting picked in lottery.

Frequently the diversion of flights is posted here, as cautionary which I agree. However, it depends on why the flight is diverted. I doubt any...

Selected as the best answer

No. Unless, the AP is approved, departure from US leads to abandonment and subsequent denial of AOS application.