Trainingcompletion

[docboston]

Hi,
My J-1 is valid till June 30 the date my fellowship completes. What happens if my H1 is approved before then (My lawyer wants to file soon to avoid a proposed fee hike). Can I still complete my fellowship? The start date for H1 employement is July 1st.
Thanx

 

[posadas]

Hello, docboston. Yes, you can finish your fellowship even if the H1 get approved much earlier. I actually had my H1 approved in January yet I'm not finishing until June 30. My H1b start date is on July, as well.

Upon approval of your waiver by the USCIS, the letter will state that you must start work within 90-days of approval. I was so worried about that until I learned from this forum that this has happened to many people before and it's no big deal. Furthermore, I called the coordinator of the J1-waiver program in the state where I got my waiver; she told me that it is not a problem, this "happens all the time" and I should not worry about it.

 

[docboston]

What i meant was not just the H1 approval, but actual change from J1 to H1. Would I still be able to continue with fellowship.
Thanx

 

[posadas]

Yes, you can still continue with your fellowship so long as the start date on your H1B approval is after June 30. You will still be on J1 until June 30 so long as the valid start date on your H1 is after June 30. Your H1B will only take effect on your valid start date written on the approval notice.