6th year H1B -> F1 -> new H1B

[az000]

Hi Friends,

I am currently in my 6th year of H1B and going to complete 6 years in Sept.

In the mean time I have applied for a STEM masters program and if I get selected, the program starts in August. I plan to move to F1 and quit my job by August and start classes.

Once I complete the masters, and OPT period, do I need to go back to India for 1 year to be eligible for fresh H1B?

Thanks.

[shekar11#]

Yes, you need to go back, stay for 1 year, apply through lottery and then come back.