New H1- Transferring from F1 to H1

[nj23]

Hi,
I have 3yr Business Mgmt Degree plus an Advanced Diploma in Marketing and Sales management from India. I have also taken some programming classes and also have a year experience in Web Programming from India. I am currently doing my MS in Computer Science for which I have finished all the coursework and just the final project is remaining, which I am planning to finish and graduate by dec 2004. I have been working as a Business Intelligence and Programming intern for the past 10 months and now my company wants to hire me full time. I recently applied for my OPT and it starts from Aug 1,04 and is valid till July 31, 2005. So I f I need to have my H1 by July 31, 2005, during what time frame should I apply for my H1


Q1: What time would be best for me to apply for my H1 so that I can work without any breaks
Q2:Is it better to wait till I get my Masters before I apply for my H1
Q3:Is there a risk in applying for H1 with a 3+1 yr degree from India
Q4:Is it fine I f I apply for H1 while my OPT apllication is still pending
Q4: My company has offices in LA,Chicago and Bise.I work at the Boise Branch. Does it make a difference from which office do I apply?

Any guidance would be Appreceiated
Thanks ,
NJ

 

[alren]

1 - You should apply as soon as you are eligible for 2005 quota.
2 - I do not see any difference
3 - As far as your qualifications match your job requirement then no.
4 - No issues.
4 (which should be 5) - It should be from Idaho Jurisdiction, unless your co. has an understanding with the BCIS service center to have all the co.s cases adjudicated in a single service center.

 

[nj23]

Alren,
Thanks for ur reply.

When do I become eligible for the 2005 quota? And If i apply for premium processing, how much time it would take me to get my H1?

Thanks Again,
NJ

 

[alren]

Premium processing should take you about 2 weeks. For 2005 quota, look through this forum and I'm sure people have already discussed when you can start filing.