H1B - F1 - OPT - H1B

[neha.bh12]

Hi,

I would like to know if it is legal to stay in US for more than 6 continuous years, without staying outside US for an year, if:

I start with work on H1-B (4 years) and then decide to go for studies on F1 (1 or 2 years) and then again intend to continue on OPT & H1-B (remaining H1-B of 2 years)?

(Total number of years being 8 or 9 years here)

Please advise.

Thanks in advance.

[JoeF]

The maximum time on H1 is 6 years. You can of course change to F1 and study and then change back to H1.

Note that the F1 is for studying, not for working. OPT is something you can do at the end, once you have gotten the degree.

So, if you want to study, focus on that.

[neha.bh12]

Thanks for the response JoeF.

Yes, definitely focusing on studies for now.

Just wanted to know if there is any legal thing that I should keep in mind in case the total tenure of stay in US exceeds 6 continuous years in the above case?

[JoeF]

There is no limit per se.

People who do a PhD are often for more than 6 years in the US on F1, since the normal time to degree for a PhD can be 7 or more years.

There is a limit for the time on H1 and L1, 6 years for H1, 5 years for L1B, 7 years for L1A.

[neha.bh12]

Thanks JoeF.

This information is surely helpful.