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dss_1996 · 2022-10-13 10:12:43

I'm on an F1 visa doing a PhD program that is designed for professionals. If I get a chance to pursue an H1B visa, can I switch and still continue doing my program? Thank you for your time!

bruceb | karma 3632 | avg karma 2.61 · | 2016-03-18 03:33:13+00:00

H1-B visa holders can switch jobs.

momofuku | karma 369 | avg karma 7.53 · | 2024-04-12 20:16:26

Thank you for doing this! Is it hypothetically possible to switch jobs after your employer has filed for your H1-B (but before receiving approval from USCIS)? I've heard differing opinions online. I'm currently on the F1. I can potentially work for a very early startup that I'm excited by.

Thank you for doing this!

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mrn45 | karma 2 | avg karma 0.67 · | 2018-12-07 18:15:47

Hi Peter, I'm a F1 student who joined for a Masters program in a US University in 2015. A year into my Masters, my advisor offered me a PhD which I took up. So, I converted my degree from Masters to PhD in 2017. However, I still picked up my Masters degree in May 2017.

My PhD advisor quit his job this week. I'm not left with too many options. I was considering going back to the industry.

I learnt that I cannot apply for OPT based on my Masters degree, since that window to apply for OPT has expired.

Can I quit PhD and look for a job that'll sponsor my H1B? Will I have to leave the country, if so?

Thanks!

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gms | karma 1436 | avg karma 2.62 · | 2008-04-09 18:05:09+00:00

An H1-B visa doesn't prevent you from switching jobs no?

mrn45 | karma 2 | avg karma 0.67 · | 2018-12-07 18:44:41+00:00

If do find a job, can my employers apply for H1B while I'm still enrolled in PhD?

makeset | karma 344 | avg karma 1.34 · | 2014-07-16 22:54:18

There are fast tracks to permanent residence after a PhD [1]. But if you don't want to immigrate (owe US taxes for foreign income, etc.) then you're right. Staying on H1B is no way to live.

[1] http://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide/entrepreneur-visa-guide#...

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cpufry | karma 46 | avg karma 0.61 · | 2020-06-10 00:49:29+00:00

h1b is tied to employer though right? or is one able to change employers once they have an h1b visa?

hebdo | karma 173 | avg karma 2.22 · | 2016-02-06 18:50:12+00:00

You can change jobs while being on an H1B. It is commonly referred to as H1B transfer.

kirubakaran | karma 12857 | avg karma 4.74 · | 2008-07-19 04:44:07+00:00

H1Bs can switch jobs any time.

kirubakaran | karma 12857 | avg karma 4.74 · | 2009-02-25 10:37:03

You can change jobs when you are on H1B. It is L1B (intra-company transfer from a foreign country) where you can't.

random42_ | karma 230 | avg karma 1.95 · | 2021-08-24 16:08:23

There is no such thing as visa transfer process. When you’re switching jobs on an H1B you follow the same process as if it were a new application, with the exception it can be done any time in the year and the visa cap doesn’t apply.

GuiA | karma 20066 | avg karma 6.06 · | 2012-01-04 22:24:17+00:00

Actually, at the end of an F1 visa, provided that you got a degree, you can work under OPT for 12 months, with a possible 17 months extension if you're in STEM.

At the end of those (12+17) months you can seek H1B.

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negrit | karma 2666 | avg karma 6.2 · | 2015-03-09 14:00:02+00:00

Yeah, if they decide to sponsor you for a H1B but this is not the only visa available for work.

lakshmmi7 | karma 1 | avg karma 0.5 · | 2021-06-19 16:52:31+00:00

Hi Peter. How can one start a business on H1B? Is there any option to convert to a different visa later?

oceliker | karma 1083 | avg karma 5.33 · | 2021-11-12 13:16:35

Hi Peter, thank you for doing this! I am currently on an F-1 visa, waiting to switch to H-1B in January. I have a previous J-1 visa so I'm currently in the process of waiving the two-year-rule. When the waiver is approved, can I file a change of status, or do I have to leave the country to apply for the visa?

proberts | karma 4009 | avg karma 2.52 · | 2018-12-07 18:39:45

Yes, as long as the primary focus of your time is the H-1B.

wsxcde | karma 1077 | avg karma 3.59 · | 2014-10-07 17:14:27+00:00

Yes, although H1Bs aren't a great either. Most people I know who were on an L1 got their company to sponsor an H1 visa after a year or two and then change jobs a few years down the switch.

simonebrunozzi | karma 31854 | avg karma 3.55 · | 2016-12-16 15:45:56

You might be mistaking H1-B with L1 visas. H1-B allows you to switch companies; L1 doesn't.

alxhill | karma 257 | avg karma 5.98 · | 2021-10-19 13:13:45

It's harder but very much possible to switch company on an H1B visa - my partner did this recently and while there's a bunch of legal work and waiting around, for tech companies it's all just part of the process.