H1 transfer

[prg]

Hi,

I am currently in the US on an H-4 visa.
I applied for a H1 visa through company A this year (2008) and received an email yesterday from USCIS that they have mailed an Approval notice to my employer. I am hoping that the notice will be received in a week.

I have a couple of questions:

1. How long do I have to work with company A before I can apply for a transfer?
2. Can I start applyng for jobs with other companies (other than company A) now or do I have to wait for my passport to be stamped or some other such formality ?

Thank you

[orion]

You can get it transferred now. Search the forum for similar posts.

[txh1b]

1. Zero before Oct 1st.
2. Yes before Oct 1st. No after that without paystubs.

[prg]

Clarifications

Thanx for the reply. Just to make sure I understand this correctly,
1. I can start looking for a job with another employer now.
2. I can transfer my H1 to a new employer before October 1st without having worked for the employer who has sponsored my current H1 visa.
3. If I am unable to transfer to another employer before Oct. 1st, then I will have to work with current employer for sometime before changing to a new one.

If (3) is true, then what is the duration for which I will have to work with current employer before changing my job?

Thank you for your help

[txh1b]

You did get it right. No specific duration. USCIS is interested in your recent paystubs and that you are actually working and maintaining your H1b status before approving any transfers.

[prg]

Thanx again for the quick response.

I got my I797 and it has a I-94 with it.
Can you please tell me what are the next steps from here?
Do I need to get the H1 visa stamped in my passport or are there any other formalities that I need to complete before I can start working?

[txh1b]

Nothing to be done if you want to work for that employer. Educate yourself by reading about H1b meanwhile from various websites.

[prg]

Alright.

Thank you for your guidance and prompt replies.