f1-h1-f1-h1

[hellosrpm]

I moved to the USA on F1 visa. After finishing my masters I worked for 31/2 years in a non-profit company under H1b visa. Then moved to F1 visa doing my Phd now. I finished all the course work and if I move to other city finishing my thesis will not be a problem.

My question is if a company hire me on H1B visa,
1 Do I need to go over all the quota process or it's just a renewal.
2. Can you let me know on average how long will it take to do the paper work.

[kabkaba]

You will be subject to annual cap and the new employer will have to wait until Oct 1. Also, in fact your previous H1 time will count against the 6 year limit.
Do you have OPT? Consult with your school's DSO.

[hellosrpm]

Thanks for your reply! I was counter for quoted when I got my H1 first. Now my H1 visa date expired and I am on F1 visa. Will I be counted for the quota again if a company sponsor me a H1 visa?

[kabkaba]

No, if the first petition was filed as cap-subject, the new petition can be cap-exempt.