Question about H1B status

[sdos2005]

I have an important question on my status, and would appreciate your response.

I got change of status from H4 to H1b in Nov 2005 through a contracting company, although I didn't start working on project. I may not be able to start till Aug 2006. My employer told me to submit a long leave letter, and told I'd fine with the visa status.

Has anybody face this issue before, and what, if any, problems could I face?

Thanks in advance,
sdos2005

[veena_swsh]

Not too sure if you can get away by just submitting a letter for long leave. 9 months is too long a period to go on leave or remain without a pay. Your visa might not go through unless you really start earning and paying your taxes...atleast for 6 months. Even then you will have to do a lot of explanation for having remained without a pay for so long.

[Nishant]

H1 person is out of status when s/he stops earning. Leave without pay is acceptable only when person is out of country.

[sdos2005]

Thanks Veena and Nishant for your prompt response.

Since I don't forsee working in near future. I'm changing my status from H1 to H4.
- Will there be a problem in change of status application since I'm not working on H1.