H1-B to B1

[sk8er]

Hi,
I want to transfer my H1-B to B1. I have the following questions:

1. How long will it take ( Does it have premium processing , I think usually takes $10000 ) ? Heard it is taking a while

2. How long is it for (3 months ?) ?

3. How long will it be to go from B1 to H1-B (with premium processing) ?

4. Can I stay in the country legally (i.e. not out of status) once my Fedex is received by USCIS OR the check is cashed by USCIS OR do I have to wait for the receipt ?

5. Heard going from H1-B to B1 and then back to B1 until you find a new job is not advisable. Any views on this issue ?

Thanks

 

[nscagony]

1. No premium processing. It can take a few months.
2. At most 6 month.
3. With $1000 premium processing about 5 days.
4. You are legal once the B1 COS is filed, however, if its rejected (and very often it is) then you are out of status retroactively.
5. Ask an attorney. H1-B-H1 is tricky business and usually not advisable. If you can't find a job right away, consider spending time outside the US.

 

[sk8er]

Thank You for the help.

Follow up on Question 1:
Why is it a few months when coming from B1 to H1 is a just 5 days. Also, what is the form number for the B1 visa so I can look it up on the service center processing timeline website. Is it processed processed at all service centers or just some ?

Follow up on Question 5:
Wont spending time outside the US void my H1-B. How will I re-enter the country ? If the answer is that I can only re-enter the country if I have a job offer (and my valid H1-B visa), then how will I get a job offer (because I need to be in the country for interviews).

Just want to clarify, that I would need to re-enter on B1 tourist visa right ?

Question 6:
Will the B1 tourist visa date start from the time it is approved or from the time it is applied. The tourist status is usually for 3 months and if I get the approval in 2 months, then does that mean I only have a month of status ?