J1 to H1

[ioanna0201]

Hello everyone
this is my situation... I am here studying for my master's with a J1 visa because I have a scholarship with a requirement that I have to go back to my country after two years. I want to look for a job however before I graduate and change my visa from a J1 to an H1. First of all, can I get a H1 from a J1 or do I have to have a F1? And second is there a chance of even finding an employer willing to help me with my waiver and H1 application??? Because a friend who is in a similar situation told me that it is really hard to find an employer willing to do that. Can someone please give me some information about the procedures involved??? Thank you

[ygk]

Ok, first of all if you don't want to go home for two years you can apply for a waver go to
uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/exchvisit.htm
as for the employer - you can find it - use your OPT to work for someone for a while and then if it is a problem for them to sponser your H1 - if you wish you can offer to pay the expenses yourself. But explein the situation from the beginning - you don't want to work for someone who's gonna use up all your OPT time and then not be willing to hire you afterwords. Look for international firms, state goventment offices ets. Hope it helps