H1B Consular Stamping while working on OPT

[kmsrid]

I am currently working on OPT EAD valid till Jan 2022.  My Employer filed for my H1B which was approved for Consular processing in Dec 2019.  Due to Covid situation and closure of Consulates,  I am unable to travel to my Home Country India and schedule my appointment for the required consular interview/ Stamping.  

Under these circumstances :

(1) How Long I can continue to work on OPT EAD while a H1B is already approved and waiting to be stamped - 

(2) Is there any legal deadline before which I should go for H1B Stamping

(3) Is it advisable to file an amendment on H1B requesting for extension of stay / issuance of I-94 so I can  continue to stay and work in US on H1B

Thanks

 

[adshah84]

You can work on OPT EAD till Jan 2022. No need to worry. Once your home consulate will open and start expecting visa application you can go and get your stamping.  

[JoeF]

If your status didn't change to H1 you are still on F1 and your OPT stays valid. Assuming the employer has a lawyer the lawyer should have told you the same thing.

[gopalakrishnach]

What is your H1B start date? Is it consular?

On that day you will automatically move to H1B and if you travel out of USA then you need H1B visa stamping.