Hi,
I am currently on an F-1 visa and can graduate either in June '04 or September 04. I expect to get a job and file my H-1 application by September 04 (if the FY-2005 quota is still open). Otherwise, I will work on my F1-OPT and file for an H-1 application on April 1, 2005.
Questions:
1. How long can the gap between my graduation date (end of F1) and beginning of my F-1 OPT be? [I will be filing for my OPT in a few days -- does my OPT need to start effective the date of my graduation?]
2. If I file for an H-1 visa on April 1, 2005, and my F1-OPT ends on August 15, 2005, can I legally stay in the US and work without pay during the 60 days grace period (till October 1, 2005 - start of H1 status)?
Thanking You.
Aasim
I am currently on an F-1 visa and can graduate either in June '04 or September 04. I expect to get a job and file my H-1 application by September 04 (if the FY-2005 quota is still open). Otherwise, I will work on my F1-OPT and file for an H-1 application on April 1, 2005.
Questions:
1. How long can the gap between my graduation date (end of F1) and beginning of my F-1 OPT be? [I will be filing for my OPT in a few days -- does my OPT need to start effective the date of my graduation?]
2. If I file for an H-1 visa on April 1, 2005, and my F1-OPT ends on August 15, 2005, can I legally stay in the US and work without pay during the 60 days grace period (till October 1, 2005 - start of H1 status)?
Thanking You.
Aasim