OPT to F1 or H1

[nat77]

hi if someone could answer I would be very relieved as I am very lost right now!
My OPT expires 2 weeks from now. The lawyer that has filed my i-130 (it was approved a year ago) and is doing the green card paperwork adviced me to register for school asap so that I don't lose my student status. She said that's the best way to maintain status since my green card is pending. (she hasn't filed for i-485 yet, I didn't exactly understand why. dates are not current yet?) is there any other form I could apply for? i-765, etc? I am working right now, but my company doesn't do sponsorships. Could I apply independently for an hi-b? I have a masters from a US university, does the new law help me at all?

[amishah]

You filed I-130 on which bases ?

[nat77]

My father filed as a citizen.

[LucyMO]

you'd better maintain your F-1 status or get H1B status until you get your visa number. You have to have an employer willing to sponsor you for H1B. You can't just file for H1B on your own.

[nat77]

I have an employer but doesn't H1B take a long time? I am also on a contract basis right now so I might not even be eligible. I will register for school again (so I am going to get an F-1 extension hopefully) - can I also file for a non-immigrant visa at the same time or will that confuse them?