urgent need advice while converting from F-1 to H-1

[madhulatha206]

Hi all,
Glad to see this forum and I need ur help now.
I'm working on OPT right now and it expires this June 30th, 2004. I haven't applied for my H-1B yet and my project is till next March.
I thought I can apply for F-1 now (and work on Co-op from June 30,2004 to Oct 1,2004) and then apply for H-1B(start processing once I get I-20 from school..may be May) and start working on H-1B from October 1,2004. But I'm not sure whether the quota will still be there by May,2004. I've already applied for my school and waiting for I-20. I'm just wondering if I'm eligible to apply for H-1B right now (april 1, 2004). I'll be glad if someone can help me in this regard and let me know how to proceed.
Please let me know ASAP.
thank you
madhu

 

[Rajiv S. Khanna]

Originally posted by madhulatha206
Hi all,
Glad to see this forum and I need ur help now.
I'm working on OPT right now and it expires this June 30th, 2004. I haven't applied for my H-1B yet and my project is till next March.
I thought I can apply for F-1 now (and work on Co-op from June 30,2004 to Oct 1,2004) and then apply for H-1B(start processing once I get I-20 from school..may be May) and start working on H-1B from October 1,2004. But I'm not sure whether the quota will still be there by May,2004. I've already applied for my school and waiting for I-20. I'm just wondering if I'm eligible to apply for H-1B right now (april 1, 2004). I'll be glad if someone can help me in this regard and let me know how to proceed.
Please let me know ASAP.
thank you
madhu

I think people have some misunderstanding about the gap. If there is a gap between your 60-days grace period expiration and the date 1 October 2004, there is only one problem. If the gap is not filled with some status, CIS will STILL approve the H-1 effective 1 October. It is just that you will first have to go abroad and get a visa stamp before you can start working.