H1B transfer with gap

[anurag.sethi]

My current H1B visa expires on December 21st. I have found a new employer who will file a H1B transfer but wants me to join on February 1st. They will apply for my H1B transfer to USCIS before December 21st. My question is whether I have to leave the country because there is a gap between the two employment dates. Can I apply for a tourist visa to take care of this gap?

Thanks in advance,
Anurag