On OPT: When do I need to get a job by?

L

lamaar33123

New Member
Hi:

I went on OPT on Jan 29, 2007 after obtaining a masters degree in Electrical Engineering and my OPT runs out on Jan 25, 2008. As of Feb 17, 2007 I still haven't got a job. What are my options?

Scenario 1:
Do I need to get a job before April 1, 2007 so my employeer can file for my H1-B by April 1, 2007 so I can go on H1-B status by October 1, 2007?

Scenario 2:
If I get a job between April 1, 2007 and October 1, 2007 then can my employer file for my H1-B by October 1, 2007 so I can go on H1-B status by April 1, 2008? And from Jan 25, 2008 to April 1, 2008 I make use of my grace period or I request my employeer to put me on H3 status?

What are the options I have? If I do not make the job by April 1, 2007 am I out of options?

Thanks for reading.
 
how hard are you searching for job ? .. I'm Electrical Eng. major as well, and I'm looking for a job too .. and there are lot's of el. jobs around US. Well, maybe not exactly what you want, but why not start working something, get the H1, and then try to find a better job
 
lamaar33123 said:
Hi:

I went on OPT on Jan 29, 2007 after obtaining a masters degree in Electrical Engineering and my OPT runs out on Jan 25, 2008. As of Feb 17, 2007 I still haven't got a job. What are my options?

Scenario 1:
Do I need to get a job before April 1, 2007 so my employeer can file for my H1-B by April 1, 2007 so I can go on H1-B status by October 1, 2007?

Scenario 2:
If I get a job between April 1, 2007 and October 1, 2007 then can my employer file for my H1-B by October 1, 2007 so I can go on H1-B status by April 1, 2008? And from Jan 25, 2008 to April 1, 2008 I make use of my grace period or I request my employeer to put me on H3 status?
Click to expand...

I think you are a bit confused.

You don't need to have a job on OPT, but you need to be actively searching.

It would be great if you can find a job by April 1 for H1B. If you find an employer for H1 who can file for you in April (and he needs to do it in April because visas usually run out in May), you will start working on H1b on Oct 1, 2007, because the USCIS fiscal year starts on Oct 1. Until then you will/can work on your OPT EAD.

I do believe that your employer can file an application in April 2007, and if it gets approved, you can start working on H1 in April 2008, but why would you want to wait? just start working in October 2007.
 
I am actively searching for jobs. All I wanted to know is, if I do not get a job by April 1, 2007 -- which means my company/I'd miss the April 1, 2007 deadline H1-B quota (Assuming the quota gets over by April 1, 2007 -- usually it gets over in a few months, especially for masters sutdents) then I would need to get a job where my employee applies for the April 1, 2008 quota.

Then my question is -- how many of the employees usually go in for such an option? Because I would then be out of status from Jan 25, 2008 to Oct 1, 2008. You see what I'm saying?

My OPT: Jan 29, 2007 to Jan 25, 2008
My H1-B is filed: April 1, 2008
My H1-B is approved: October 1, 2008

What do I do from Jan 25, 2008 to October 1, 2008 -- go back to India? Thanks.
 
Hi lucymo,
How he can start a new F1 program if his H1 is approved? If he starts F1 then he forefeits his H1 status. Am I right?
 
he/she needs to still be in F-1 status (or any other legal status) before he/she can start working on October 1 on H1B.
 
Hi Lucimo,
I understand that H1B status will start on Oct.1 and one can not stay on that status before oct. 1 even if his H1 is approved. Right?
For maintaining the F1 STATUS he needs to apply for a different I-20 document. There is a real chance of getting it rejected since he already has applied or approved H1. So there is no possiblity of maintaining that F1 status.
Even if it is approved, then doesn't he forefeits the H1 application or approval?
In my case, I can not apply for a new I-20 since my I-140 is already approved(so there is intent to immigrate). Also there is no possibliy for me to go on business visa as I don't have enough money. So what could be the other possibility?
 
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