Can i apply for the H1-B and H4 simultaniously.

[venkat_nalluri]

Dear All,

This is Venkat. I have booked my slot for the H4 visa on June lastweek.now i would like to apply for the H1-B also for the year 2006. Can i apply for the H1-B simultanioulsy with my H4( Which is under process)?.( I am planning to go to U.S. on my H4 visa(if i will get stamped), by the time my H1-B will get approved(if at all i will apply for it now), i will be in U.S., so legally i can start my job Oct or Nov-2006 onwards. Once i am back to India , i will attend the consulate for H1-B for stampaing.)
Can i do the process as per my plan? Please suggesat me in this reagrd. your valuable responses/suggesstions are highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Venkat

[veena_swsh]

Hi Venkat,
You can start working on H1B if you have either a H1B visa stamped on your passport or if you have an approval for your petition to change status. You cannot work while on H4 though with an approved H1B without COS.