F-1 OPT --> H-1B 1st time stamping NEED HELP PLEASE

[DMX17]

I am on F-1 OPT and My F-1 visa on my passport has already expired. I have an approved H1-B. I have a gap between OPT end date (Aug 27)and H1 start date (Oct 1st). So I am legal to stay in the U.S. in this gap period.


I had a question about H1 Stamping. Since I am legal to stay in the U.S in this GAP period, Can I go to a U.S Consulate in Mexico for Visa sampling while I am off the job in the GAP (i.e. between Aug 27 and Oct 1st). If yes, Does anyone see any risk in doing so? Suppose, I went for stamping on Sept 1st and got the visa stamped, will I be able to enter the U.S. on Sept 1st? In other words, how early can I go for visa stamping in Mexico and enter U.S. with no risk? Note that the 1-94 on the I-797A shows start date of Oct 1st 2007.

Also, after getting the VISA stamped can I travel to India and come back before OCT 1st?

Detailed explanations (suggestions, procedures if applicable) will be appreciated.

Thanks

[txh1b]

Going back in time, it was funny to read this post by you, the new senior member. You have learned quite a bit in less than a year

[DMX17]

DMX17,

You can apply for H1 visa on Sept. 1st but you can re-enter the U.S. upto 10 days before you H1 start date (i.e. Oct 1st). Don't go on Sept 1st if you want to come back the same day because you can only enter on or after Sept 21th.

Felt good to reply to my own post.

DMX17, Senior Member.

[DMX17]

Also, after getting the VISA stamped can I travel to India and come back before OCT 1st?

I dropped this option.