H-1B Visa Stamping

[crazee]

Hello,

I have got my H-1B approval notice for COS from F-1 to H-1B, starting from March 1, 2010. My F-1 OPT is valid till Aug 31, 2010.

How early and how late can I get my H-1B visa stamped?

Also can I go to Canada for the same?

Thanks!

[txh1b]

You can get it stamped but can enter US only 10 days prior to the start of H1b. Plan accordingly as your F1 will be marked CWOP and you cannot enter until the H1b start date.

[crazee]

Thanks a lot for your help. So after getting my H-1B visa stamped, I can re-enter US only 10 days before the H-1B start date. In that case, can I get my visa stamped later (like December 2010)? I got a new I-94 with the H-1B approval notice. So I believe my status will automatically change from F-1 to H-1B on the H-1B start date.

Thanks.

[txh1b]

You would need a visa stamped only if you want to travel outside the US and re-enter. You can remain in US without a visa stamp as long as the I-94 is valid.

[kabkaba]

Your OPT and F1 status will be over when H1 starts. You need a visa only if you travel outside. Canada consulates do not take change of status cases and 10 day rule applies only if you travel before H1 start date.

[crazee]

Thanks for your invaluable help. So that means I can only get my H-1B visa stamping done from my home country (since it is a COS from F-1 to H-1B). And if I get the stamp before the H-1B start date, I cannot enter US more than 10 days before H-1B start date (10-day rule). However if I get the stamp after the H-1B start date, I can enter anytime after that.

Thanks a lot for clearing all my confusions.