F-1 student visa to H1b while waiting for priority date?

[cadetlthsu 0]

Hello All,

I am currently an international student on F-1 visa in the States. My mom filed I-130 (family preference) on my behalf back in 2009, and it looks like it will be 3-4 more years until my priority date comes up. I am expected to graduate on 2015 and hoping to to convert my F-1 student status to H1b, and then stay in the US with H1b until my priority date becomes current.

My question is, can I change from F-1 student visa to H-1b working visa while waiting for my priorty date to become current?

Thanks!

[hmh33 117]

Yes, assuming you can find an employer willing to sponsor your H-1B.

[Sha go 0]

Yes you can. Like hmh33 said though, you have to find an employer willing to file.

Another advice - since you'll get OPT after graduating on F1, try and find an employer who's willing to file H1-b and start with them with your OPT. You can't start working with H1 till Oct and the wait time between filing in April and starting in Oct is a turn off for some employers. But if you're already there on Opt, it's a seamless change and less headache for everyone.

Edited June 14, 2013 by Sha go