Valid H1-B and B1/B2 visa

[rajivk]

I have a 10 year B1/B2 visa. I entered the US about 5 months ago and successfully managed to get a job in an educational institution.

I went back to get my H1-B stamped. Since my new job starts in 2 months time, the consular officer has put a start date 2 months from today for my H1-B. Interestingly he did not cancel my B1/B2 visa and that visa is still valid. So i have two visa's on my passport (B1/B2 and the H1-b)

My question is can i enter the US on the B1 visa in the next few days, stay in the US for the next 2 months or so and then continue for the rest of the time on my H1-B ?

Or should i simply wait for 2 months and enter the US on my H-1B ?

What will happen to my B1/B2 visa ? will it continue to remain valid ?

Thanks.
Rajiv

[waitin_toolong]

it is possible to have two visas but only one can be used at a time. Normally a ten year B1 is not cancelled just becuase you apply for another visa.

Though you can enter using B1 your status will not automatically change to H1 automatically. You will need to exit US and reenter us using H1 to get that status.