B2 to H1B

[electra]

Hi, I came here in US as visitor, my I-94 will expire on October 2009. I am fortunate to have a job offer and the prospective employer is willing to petition me for H1B. Is there a need for me to apply for B2 visa extension or apply for change of status instead? My prospective employer will file the petition this month, September. What are the process that we must go through? Shall I wait for the approval of the petiton before filing for change of status?

Replies in my inquiries are highly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[orion]

Best course of action: apply for H1, goto home country, use approval to stamp H1 visa and then re-renter.

[electra]

I am grateful for your reply Orion. I appreciate your input however, could you possibly answer my inquiries? would it be possible that I don't have to go back to my home country to wait for my H1B approval?

Thank you and more suggestions are welcome.

[orion]

Yes, that is possible.

[electra]

Thank you orion for your reply. What shall I do then?

1. shall I apply for B2 extension or
2. wait for the approval of the employer's H1B petition before applying for the change of status, if this will be the case that I have to make, will I still be legal within the waiting period of H1B petition?

Please I need your inputs. I am grateful for this forum and for the knowleageable people like you who unselfishly share your wisdom on US immigration rules and policies.