F1 to H1B before completing graduation

[tuxdude]

I'm currently doing my Masters and planning to graduate in March 2011. My F1 visa is valid till June 2011.

I got a job offer now and the company is willing to file the H1B visa for me immediately in the general quota.

So if I get the visa approved (which I'll know within 3 weeks), would I still be able to complete my Masters program and graduate when I am in H1B status ?

Thanks

[shervin143]

When you are in H1B, you need to be working and getting paid. If not, you will be out of status on H1B and that will cause issues later. You can only study part time in H1B and your primary responsibility should be working and getting paid when your status is H1B.

However, the employer can file the H1B and request the start date in March 2011 (Max start date can be 6 months in advance). That way, you can continue to be in F1 until you complete your studies and then start working in H1B later on the H1B effective date.