Hi,
I'm an international student who will be graduating from a US university this August with a master's degree in Occupational Therapy. I've already applied for OPT so that I could start working later on in August. I've recently received a job offer from a small outpatient company (~ 36 employees) and although I explained to them, both verbally and in writing, the fact that I would start on OPT and then need an H1b visa during the interview process I'm not sure they fully understand what it would imply in practice. So I have 2 questions:
1. Has anyone gone through the H1b process with a small business and would be able to give me some info as to how that process went for them?
2. How does the OPT/H1b transition work?
I read some material which said for a first time H1b that you must return to your home country, have an interview at the local US Embassy, bring a list of documents and have a medical examination (not sure if through the embassy or just need a physical form signed?). I was hoping to do the expedited H1b process and with my OPT running through August 2013, what would the time frame look like? Would I need to go back to my home country after getting H1b approval or wait until my OPT expires? Since I will fall under the cap gap, should I wait until that's almost over so as to come back into the country after October 1st? I happen to be from France, but if any one has gone through the same process from any country, how did you do it (i.e. how much time off from work etc).
Also, from what I've gathered, that doesn't seem to be possible but thought I'd ask anyway, is there any way to adjust to H1b status without leaving the US?
I figured this process would require a lot of paperwork and patience but did not expect having to travel overseas!
Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Note: I've look at a few more resources now and it looks like I might not have to go back to my home country if I do fall under the cap-gap. Is that correct? Sorry for the long post but I'm really struggling to find a definite answer and would love to hear from anyone with experience in the OPT/H1b transition! Thanks again!
I'm an international student who will be graduating from a US university this August with a master's degree in Occupational Therapy. I've already applied for OPT so that I could start working later on in August. I've recently received a job offer from a small outpatient company (~ 36 employees) and although I explained to them, both verbally and in writing, the fact that I would start on OPT and then need an H1b visa during the interview process I'm not sure they fully understand what it would imply in practice. So I have 2 questions:
1. Has anyone gone through the H1b process with a small business and would be able to give me some info as to how that process went for them?
2. How does the OPT/H1b transition work?
I read some material which said for a first time H1b that you must return to your home country, have an interview at the local US Embassy, bring a list of documents and have a medical examination (not sure if through the embassy or just need a physical form signed?). I was hoping to do the expedited H1b process and with my OPT running through August 2013, what would the time frame look like? Would I need to go back to my home country after getting H1b approval or wait until my OPT expires? Since I will fall under the cap gap, should I wait until that's almost over so as to come back into the country after October 1st? I happen to be from France, but if any one has gone through the same process from any country, how did you do it (i.e. how much time off from work etc).
Also, from what I've gathered, that doesn't seem to be possible but thought I'd ask anyway, is there any way to adjust to H1b status without leaving the US?
I figured this process would require a lot of paperwork and patience but did not expect having to travel overseas!
Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Note: I've look at a few more resources now and it looks like I might not have to go back to my home country if I do fall under the cap-gap. Is that correct? Sorry for the long post but I'm really struggling to find a definite answer and would love to hear from anyone with experience in the OPT/H1b transition! Thanks again!
Last edited by a moderator: