H1B - I made the lottery, but can I stay?

[mariattie 0]

Hello people,

I made the H1B lottery, I got the notification on May 7th, 2018. My OPT has been extended until Sep. 30th, so that when I am approved, I can start working with the H1B on Oct. 1st. 
However, I am still waiting for the immigration department to review my case. I heard it takes approx. 4 months and a half, so if I don't get an answer by Sep. 30th, can I still remain in the US? 
If I get an approval before Sep. 30th, do I still need to leave the US so that I can enter again with the H1B status? 
I am running out of time...I need to have a plan B if I don't get it. My whole life is here and I share my apt with a roommate, who cannot afford everything by herself, so I am thinking about going back to Brazil for a month in October, sublet my room, wait there, and then come back when I have an answer. If it's a no, then I come back to get my stuff as a tourist, if it's a yes, then I just stay! I am hopeful, but at the same time, I don't know!
Has anyone been through this same process? I know it changes from year to year, so...any thoughts will be appreciated! 

 

Thanks,

Mariana

[Coco8 1,042]

You should ask your company lawyers, the ones that did the H1B.

 

I think they should be done on time or they will extend your OPT again.

Edited July 31, 2018 by Coco8

[mariattie 0]

On 7/31/2018 at 7:34 AM, Coco8 said:

You should ask your company lawyers, the ones that did the H1B.

 

I think they should be done on time or they will extend your OPT again.

Really? Is it possible to extend the OPT if I don't hear from the Immigration on time? I didn't know that...I hear so many things that I just don't know what to believe. You are right, I should contact the company lawyers...I have to contact the HR first, they are the ones who are in contact with the lawyers. Thank you!