H1b before graduation- Urgent Please Help

[nallant]

Hi Everyone,

I am pursuing my master degree in united States. I am about to Graduate on May 7th 2011 (my OPT date is 13th May). I have been interviewed by many firms and one of the firm is ready to sponsor me a H1b before i graduate.

My questions to all of the knowledgeable of the forum are -

1. Is it safe to apply H1b before i graduate. (Employer will start the processing on April 20th and i will be graduating on May 7th).
2. Can i apply my H1b in Masters Quota even i don't have my masters degree in hand right now.
3. What is the Visa scenario for 2011. is it going to be slow or it would be filling up fast (Just wanted to know so that i can decide upon a plan )

Thank you everyone for taking their time and answering my questions.

Thank you
nallant

[kabkaba]

Your university can give you a letter stating that you have completed all the requirements of the degree. Your employer can use that to file the petition.
The cap is wide open and if the job does not require a Master's degree and if you have a 4 year Bachelors degree, your employer can file under regular cap too.

[nallant]

Thank you so much Kabbaka.

Is there any chance of the visa getting rejected purely on the basis of me still in the college...(My graduation is on May 7th)

thank you
sesha

[kabkaba]

It is best to wait until May 7, if that is the day you will receive your diploma (certificate). I don't think the cap will be full by May 7.

[nallant]

I am graduating On May 7th but i will not receive my degree certificate on the same day . I will get that may be in first week of July. It takes 50-60 days after your graduation date for certificate to arrive .

Please advise.

[kabkaba]

You will then need the letter mentioned in my previous reply. If the job does not require a Master's degree and if you have a 4 year Bachelors degree, your employer can file using that too.