When do i apply?!

[Davesworld26]

Hi my course ends in may 2008 and my OPT starts right after that.. when do i need to apply for H1-B visa? and how do i go about it? any info on the same will be greatly helpful for me.. thanks

[topcatin]

H1's are usually open for applying on April1st. You will have to apply immediately after you graduate. Keep in mind that NGO's and universities are exempt from the H1 cap. In other words..if you work for a company, you will have too apply ASAP and start dates for H1 is Oct1st at the earliest. So your OPT will be valid from the day you graduate till Oct1st and then you are on H1. But this year, H1 applications were all over in 10 days or something. In such cases have NGO's or universities as a last resort,they are exempt from this rule of "oct1st" or "april1st". They can apply anytime for you and the start dates can be anytime too. Make sure you have your OPT right the day after your graduate because if you get a job immediately after you graduate, you can join work.