I am a Full-Time Masters student graduating in December 2016. As I understand, international students are eligible for one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT). But I have worked in United States earlier on H-1B visa and still have three years of my H-1B eligibility remaining. Following are some of my questions.
1. Am I eligible to apply for OPT? If yes, then what is a better option – a) Work on OPT for one year and then change status to H-1B or b) Start working on H-1B right after my graduation.
2. Since I have an H-1B with three years of eligibility, can my employer file out of cap H-1B petition?
3. How many days prior to expiration of OPT, do I need to initiate the process of changing my status from OPT to H-1B?
Please help me with these questions. Thanks.
1. Am I eligible to apply for OPT? If yes, then what is a better option – a) Work on OPT for one year and then change status to H-1B or b) Start working on H-1B right after my graduation.
2. Since I have an H-1B with three years of eligibility, can my employer file out of cap H-1B petition?
3. How many days prior to expiration of OPT, do I need to initiate the process of changing my status from OPT to H-1B?
Please help me with these questions. Thanks.