Applying for H1B whilst in F1

[coowboy]

Hi,
I'm still in my F1 Visa (will be graduating in May'2004) and I would like to take a full time offer with a firm.

Can I apply for H1-B visa whilst still in F1 and be able to take the offer? Has anyone been in a asimilar situation before? Any other possible options.

Thanks.

 

[mjadala]

Try for CPT (curricualar practical training) or OPT (Optional Practical training). Talk to your international student officer to help you on this.

 

[7280]

coowboy,
Yes, applying for H-1 while on F-1 is possible.


Suggestions for easier route, assuming you already have an offer:
1. Register for an open type of credit (usually Univ. have MS or PhD students to do document research hrs).
2. Get letter from your advisor on the research topic and brief description on the nature of research. You have to have the buy-in from your advisor AND as well as company HR.
3. Approach international student office for endorsement on your I-20. Usually, in such scenarios, it will be granted as OPT.

You now have the legal authorization to work. Have the company start H-1b process under premium processing to expedite process since you have to worry abt. H-1b quota. This could be seamless transition.

If you go for CPT, it is likely to be a drawn out process, relatively.

Good luck

Disclaimer: I'm NOT an attorney. I don't know ANY law. Get legal advise before acting & I'm NOT responsible for your actions.