Hi folks
I apologize for reposting it becoz the earlier thread's subject might not catch your attention.

Does anybody know how hectic is it to change status from F1 to H1? I finished my undergrad degree last december in Ohio and joined MS degree w/o going for OPT thing. Now, i am thinkin not to wait until my MS graduation and join a job. Can anybody suggest me the way i works? Can we switch directly from F1 to H1 w/o OPT or so? If yes, how hectic would it be? how long (months) does it take? If i find a job offer now, whats the procedure ahead?

Thanks in advance.

yes.. u may change form f1 to h1 .. however.. why would u like to do so..
OPT give u free time with less tax..(u dont pay ss and medcare under opt)..
i would say.. utlize ur OPT when u can ...

Yes you can change your status from F1 to H1 easily. Once you have the job letter you can or your company can apply for your H1. You can do premium processing that will get your H1 in no more than 15 days. Only thing is that unless you get the approval you have to maintain status thats what they say. But when i did it i didnt follow it and i got it approved. When i applied it it was like 4 years ago so things has changed and its good to be in the safe side. Once you get it approved you can drop out from the school if you want to.

How bout applying for H1 while finishing my undergrads?? I am im my final year of undergrad studies. I am also working in the university, full time during summer and part time during classes.

There is a position open in my department, and my supervisor wants me to apply for it. She said they might even be ready to sponsor an H1 for me.

But I wasnt sure if I am eligible to apply for H1 without my bachelors degree?? I am in my final year now, one more year to go, and from what I read online, job experience of 3 years count as one year college work.

So I was thinking if i can use my almost 9 years worth of experience (part in nepal part here) as my equating factor for my final year of college???

Well as far as i know you have to have undergrad degree to apply for H1. So if that is true then i dont think it can be done. Why are u in a hurry if you have a job and the employer is ready to hire you after u graduate then i dont think you will have any problem later on.

the thing is...once i get hired....I get to pay instate tuition....and also i get to work full time!!! .... And my goal eventually would be getting an H1 ....and now that theres an oppertunity and there is a position open........dont know if there will be an opening after i graduate!!!

If thats the case then you can apply for CPT(F-1: Curricular Practical Training). If your employer is willing to hire you then you can contact your international advisor and can apply for CPT. With that you work for a year. WIthin that time you can complete your undergrad and then apply H1.