H1 or OPT

[will_get_there]

My frined is working on OPT currently. It is valid till december 2004. Now his company is applying H1 for him. If H1 visa is approved in October 2004, does he have to switch to H1 or can he continue working on OPT ?

Actually he is looking for another job so I thought OPT will be a easy to switch compared to H1.

Any help will be appreciated

will_get_there

 

[ImmigAttyLana]

Once the H-1B is approved, the OPT, which was obtained as part of F-1 status is automatically invalidated because the status is no longer F-1 but H-1B. If your friend does not want then to work for the company that sponsored his H-1B, he will need to find another employer willing to sponsor him for another H-1B. His F-1 and OPT will be gone.