Help!! F1 to H1

[Tom Black]

Please help me with the following issue!

I came from India on an F1 in August 2002.
My F1 Visa on my passport expires on December 2004
I got my OPT on August 2004 valid through August 2005
I recently got my H1 and my H1 started on October 2004. Now I am working on any H1.

My question is since my F1 VISA on my passport expires on December 2004 do I need to go to India right away to get my new visa. Or can I stay in this country for some more time and go to India some time next year to get my new visa. I hope my stay in USA with an expired visa does not make me illegal
Please help!

 

[hathwar]

Or can I stay in this country for some more time and go to India some time next year to get my new visa.----------- YES ( You should have a I-94 at the bottom of the I-797 Notice Of Approval for your H1-B. This will make your stay legal.
I hope my stay in USA with an expired visa does not make me illegal ------- NO

 

[Tom Black]

Thanks--More view please

Thanks for the prompt reply. My friend got scared me by telling me that I have to go to India right away. If someone has a different view please let me know.
Thanks,
Balaji