OPT Extension is valid till Feb 26th,2013 - Is their any chance I can file H1B next Year

[PradeepChowdary]

Hello

OPT Extension is valid till Feb 26th,2013 - Is their any chance I can file H1B next Year, can anyone suggest me? thanks

[soon123]

What you will be extending is the visitor record - which is separate from the visa. The visitor record is the document provided at the point of entry by the Canadian Border Services; oftentimes though, this is just in a form of a stamp in the passport. Nevertheless, both contain the date until which you can legally stay within the country.

It is easy enough. The online application system allows you to save your work and review it before proceeding. Also there is a period until when you need to submit/transmit the online application once you start. And you don't have to provide payment immediately while you are filling in the application; this is a later step. Before you can submit/transmit your complete application, they system prompts you to upload scanned copies of supporting documents - and there is also a period until when you need to complete uploading all the supporting docs. Don't worry - there is plenty of time provided. And be patient but thorough in completing the sections.

Note by the way, give at least a month before the expiry date of the visa - these times are always changing so don't tarry too much. Also, note that upon submission of the application - your mother has 'implied status' as a visitor/temporary resident and can still stay here even if the application is under process and there are no results yet.

[Attorney_22]

Generally, unless you are eligible for an OPT Stem extension beyond February 2013, or qualify for another valid status to remain in the U.S., you will need to leave the U.S. and file an H1B petition for consular processing (unless you've already been counted against the H1B cap and not utilized your full six years of H1B time). If you would like to discuss your options in more detail it is advisable to speak directly with a qualified U.S. immigration attorney.