H1-f1-h1

[Goal_MBA]

Hello,
My 6 years of H1 get completed by Mid of Jan 2012. My current petition is valid till Nov 2011. I am planning to go to school in June 2011 - Apr 2013. If I stay in the US till my school starts, will I be able to get back on H1 once I graduate?

[shervin143]

Yes. H1B in total is for 6 years. So you can claim the period that you haven't used when you decide to get back to H1B (little more than 6 months in your case). A new petition need to be filed by your employer (that is not subjected to CAP since you are already CAP counted).

[Goal_MBA]

Thank you very much Shervin. So if I am eligible for OPT after graduation then will that give me a total 1.5 years?
Secondly, will there be any difference in claiming those 6 months if I convert h1 to f1 inside US versus get it stamped outside?

[shervin143]

So if I am eligible for OPT after graduation then will that give me a total 1.5 years?
>>> Yes.

Secondly, will there be any difference in claiming those 6 months if I convert h1 to f1 inside US versus get it stamped outside?
>>> No.