OPT STEM to H1B

cherryace19

Registered Users (C)
Hello all,

I am on OPT STEM extension until feb14, 2014. I got laid off by my current employer on 31st Dec who were filing for my H1B...leaving me only 30 days on my OPT STEM period to stay unemployed that ends Jan 30th. I have not found any other employment yet.
My 60 grace period ends on April 14th, 2014. My F1 visa expires end of July'14.

I am planning to get my H1B filed this April through a consultant. Hoping that my H1 gets approved through them.
So far, I have been told that I can continue residing in the country until my H1 status is pending but I am not authorized to work. I can only start working Oct'14 once my approved H1 gets activated.

My questions are as follows:
1. Can I continue to stay within the country without violating any immigration status laws between 30th Jan-April 14th period and April 1st to Oct 1st in case H1 is filed & employed or H1 filed & not employed?
2. Am I eligible for cap-gap?
3. Can I file for multiple H1s?
4. In the event that my H1 is denied or my application doesn’t get selected in lottery..Do I have to leave the country immediately or do I have any options left?

I would appreciate any help and feedback !!

Thank you!
 
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