Urgent info req-How long can I stay unpaid on H1

G

gr1275

New Member
Presently, I am on F1 visa. I have completed my MS degree and my OPT will expire this month. To extend my stay here (legally) and look for a job, I suppose I am left with only two options

1) Go back to school for another degree program OR
2) Obtain an H1 visa.

A consulting firm has offered to sponsor my H1. However I am not sure if they can get me a project soon, also I doubt if they are going to pay me for the bench period. My question is “how long can I stay in the US legally, on an H1 visa, while on bench and without being paid”.

An immediate reply/advice would be highly appreciated, as I have to make a decision soon.

-GR
 
Under the benching rules, you must be on the employer's payroll within 30 days of approval of your H-1 (based on you remaining in the US and changing status to H-1, the rule is different if you are out of the US.
 
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