OPT extension and H1b questions

[msrr79]

Hello Immigration gurus..,

Happy with the good work on this nice forum...,

I am a master student in OPT status, currently on bench with an employer..,

I have a couple of questions..,

1. I am on OPT from december 2008, I have heard from a friend that, students on opt cannot stay without paycheck for more than 3 months, if so, they will be disqualified for OPT extension, is this correct?

2. I am thinking of applying for H1b this year,
a. how important are paychecks in the h1b application documents?
b. Is there any strict filtering procedure(checking about candidate current employment and paychecks) this year due to recession?

Someone can answer my problems..,

thank you.

[txh1b]

1. Yes
2. Important and there will be scrutiny.

[kabkaba]

Not only all the above but you also have to report your dates of employments and unemployment to your school to be in status while doing OPT.

[msrr79]

I am employed, and reported my date of employment to the school..,

but since I am on bench, I dont get paychecks.., do that matter?

[kabkaba]

Yes if there is scrutiny and you cannot produce paychecks you could be in trouble.