Apply for GC before H1b?

[prinac]

I am on OPT, but my student visa has expired, but I am in status till July,2012. My employer has agreed to apply for both my h1b and gc. Is it possible to apply for EB2 gc before applying for H1b?

Also, there is a question on the h1b application form that asks if you have applied for gc...thus I was also wondering, if there is a greater risk of H1B being rejected if you have already also applied for gc?

Would it be wise to just wait till my h1b approval?

I would highly appreciate your help.

Thank you.

[JoeF]

The GC is completely independent of an H1.

The H1 allows immigration intent. However, the F1 doesn't, so if you have an I-140 pending while on F1 (OPT is part of the F1), you won't be able to travel abroad, because you wouldn't be able to come back.