Self employed on F-1 to H-1B

[nice037]

Hi frnds,

I am woking as student contractor for US federal govt which titles me as self employee (not a federal employee) as I am on my F-1 (OPT STEM extention). I got a new job and they sponsored me H-1B. It was approved and the start date was Nov 30th, 2011. But as per our talks with new employer I am supposed to start working mid-January 2012. I know my status is H-1B now. something got messed with my H-1B start date.

My question is Can I still keep working for the US govt when I am waiting for my start date with my new employer or should I just quit.

Thanks in advance

nice037

[JoeF]

No, you have to stop working right now. You are on H1 now and you can not work as self-employed contractor.

[wiweq]

Your employer is supposed to pay you right from the date of start of your H1b. Otherwise they should file a correction in start date to USCIS. Not getting paid in H1b status will put you out of status. As your h1b got started from Nov 30th, you are no more on F1, so should stop working on OPT.

[nice037]

Thank you so much for your reply.