B1 to H1B

[csenthilkumaran85]

I'm from India and I hold a B1/B2 visa which is valid for 10 years. I would like to know the below.

How long can I stay in US with my B1/B2 visa every time I visit?
If I wish to convert my B1/B2 visa to H1B without the help of my employer, what is the procedure?

Ultimately, I would like to get a job in US and after going through few posts in this forum, I understood that it is not a good idea to get my visa changed by living in US. I would like to do that in India and then travel to US to find a job.

Please throw some light. TIA.

[samlynn]

B1

The length of time you are allowed to stay is up to the person at the POE. it is up to that person how long you can stay based on the answers you give to their questions.
You can't change your B1 to an H1B only your job can do that when you find one. Your job also cannot change you from a B1 to an H1B. They have to apply for the H1B.
So, you find a job that is willing to file for your H1B while you are in India and then when you have been approved you can move here.