Questions about my situation..

Exception

New Member
I'm currently employed in the Michigan. But for personal reasons I'm planning to move to California this December (I know... not many people are actually quitting jobs these days..).

I'm still on my 1st H-1B, which is expiring this Oct. My new H-1B was filed mid July. I'm also a Canadian resident (landed immigrant). I'm from Hong Kong and hold a British passport (BNO).

My questions are:

1. If I quit my current job and move to a different state, how long do I have to find a job before I officially have to leave the country?

2. I've read about people transfer to a B visa, what does that mean? And does being a Canadian resident make any difference on how long can I stay in the country?

3. What if I do find a job... say 2 months later or 5 months later, will I have any trouble getting a new H-1 and transferring my H-1?

4. I'll also be applying for graduate schools. I'm shooting for Fall 2004. What do I have to know before getting a F-1 visa?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
 
I'm currently employed in the Michigan. But for personal reasons I'm planning to move to California this December (I know... not many people are actually quitting jobs these days..).

I'm still on my 1st H-1B, which is expiring this Oct. My new H-1B was filed mid July.
--- Try to join new employer by H1 transfer once you get New H1B ( if new H1B is filed by new CA employer you can join him once it is approved if it is transfer you can join now

I'm also a Canadian resident (landed immigrant). I'm from Hong Kong and hold a British passport (BNO).

My questions are:

1. If I quit my current job and move to a different state, how long do I have to find a job before I officially have to leave the country?
----- If you have valid H1 then just file for H1 transfer through new employer and join him any time once transfer is filed. In your case you should find new job and then file H1 transfer. If you quit the current job you are out of status the day you quit or lay off
2. I've read about people transfer to a B visa, what does that mean? And does being a Canadian resident make any difference on how long can I stay in the country?
---- Canadian landed immigrant has no special rule and it does not protect your US status
3. What if I do find a job... say 2 months later or 5 months later, will I have any trouble getting a new H-1 and transferring my H-1?
---- You will need NEW Fresh H1 and once it is approved (7-9 months) you have to get H1 visa out of US then enter on H1 status. H1 transfer can only be done if you are on valid H1 in US and have immediate new job and recent pay stubs.
4. I'll also be applying for graduate schools. I'm shooting for Fall 2004. What do I have to know before getting a F-1 visa?
---- I don’t have much knowledge about F1
 
Thanks a lot ginnu.

Does it mean if I quit before I find a new job I can't do a H1 transfer? And when I do find a new job I have to wait 7 to 9 months for the fresh H1B?

When I'm out of status in US, does it mean I have to leave the country? Even tho I'm a Canadian resident?
 
Does it mean if I quit before I find a new job I can't do a H1 transfer? And when I do find a new job I have to wait 7 to 9 months for the fresh H1B?
--- You can do H1 transfer if you are on valid H1 status and have recent pay stubs, if you are on H1b status you can transfer any time and can join the new employer the day you get H1 transfer filing receipt from BCIS. If it is a NEW fresh H1 then you have to join when you have valid H1 approval for the employer. These days it is better to go for H1 transfer than New H1 they are very strict and the wave is against L1 and H1
When I'm out of status in US, does it mean I have to leave the country? Even tho I'm a Canadian resident?
------- YES! YES, Canadian PR or Canada landed immigration status does not give you any special privilege.

---- What is your actual situation? If you are still on H1 and have recent pay stubs and want to change employer first find the new job and then file for H1 transfer and join new employer after papers for H1transfer have been filed you may get filing receipt in 10-15 days with that receipt you can start work immediately with new employer
 
Thanks again for the detail response.

I have not found a new employer yet and it is difficult for me to do it from another states considering I won't be ready for interviews like other local candidates.

Based on your answers, seems my plan of moving from MI to CA before getting a new job is not even "workable"?
 
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