hib approved; can i start working before receiving papers?

[jyoani]

hi,
my h1b (premium . receipt date: oct. 30, 2002) is approved today.
i heard it frm the voice mail. have not received the approval papers. is it legal to start working before getting papers in hand.
thanks,

 

[kumarsj]

you could have started work from 30 oct, the receipt date. you dont have to wait for the approval notice.

 

[jyoani]

Are you sure? Mine is a new H1B. ( h4-h1). I was told by the attorney that I couldnt start till I get an approval. I could have, if i were doing a h1 to h1 transfer.

 

[Raj1994]

Jyoani: Your attorney is correct. If it is a new H1B, then you have to wait until approval. If it is a transfer then you can start working upon filing the new "non-frivolous" H1B petition.