Help. When to file for H1 Visa?

[madhawa]

Hi,

I just finished my masters in USA and have F1 OPT visa till December 2007. I am currently working as a contractor and my employer wants to hire me full time and sponsor my H1. However, we are not sure when should my company file for my H1

Here are the trobles I have

1) Do I have to wait till April 2008 to file for my H1 Visa?
2) Could I file for H1 Visa for 2008 now and work in USA after December this year?
3) What are my options to stay in US and work till i get my H1 Visa?

Thanks guys,

Madhawa

[Subramanya]

H1 issues

I just finished my masters in USA and have F1 OPT visa till December 2007. I am currently working as a contractor and my employer wants to hire me full time and sponsor my H1. However, we are not sure when should my company file for my H1

Here are the trobles I have

1) Do I have to wait till April 2008 to file for my H1 Visa?

---- Yes, only then are H1 applications accepted

2) Could I file for H1 Visa for 2008 now and work in USA after December this year?

---- NO, Not at all

3) What are my options to stay in US and work till i get my H1 Visa?

---- Take up another F1, apply for B1/B2 - but no working. Else, leave the country and apply for H1 under masters quota in April 2008

Subramanya

[madhawa]

Thank you Subramanya

Thank you Subramanya,

Whats B1/B2 Visas for? I am not familiar with these....

again.. thank you a million for your prompt reply. although its not what i wanted to hear,, you have been helpful.

Madhawa

[madhawa]

OPT and new F1

Is it true that I can stay in USA for 2 monts after my OPT expires?

and if I apply for another F1, should I leave USA and come back? or could I get the new F1 while I am in USA?

Thank you,

Madhawa