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How do I migrate from a B1/B2 Visa to a H1B visa while living in the United States?
Anonymous2 views3 answers
I am currently in the United States with a valid B1/B2 visa and a valid I-94 form; however, I would like to stay in the US to work and I want to maintain myself as a legal person.
How can I change my B1/B2 visa into an H-1B visa without leaving the US?
It is quite difficult, inasmuch as your authorized stay on the visitor's visa is at most 6 months.
Now, if a company will sponsor you for the H-1B, the application process will only begin on April 1, 2013, and your work cannot start until October 1, 2013. Therefore, to remain in the US in a legal status, you cannot change status from B2 to H-1B directly. To evaluate your options, you must consult with an experienced immigration attorney.
You need an attorney. You must file for a change of status prior to the expiration of your current status and be sure to meet all the requirements of the proposed status.
Whether or not you can change your status also depends on whether or not you entered the United States on the Visa Waiver Program.
This is a very complicated matter, and you should seek the help of an attorney.
Your employer will need to file for an H-1B at the beginning of April 2013. You will then have to apply for an H-1B visa stamp in late September 2013, and would then enter the US no earlier than September 20, 2013 with that visa stamp.
