H1 to H4 and chances of finding a new job later

[tkshiva]

Hi,

I have been working in US for last 5 years for the same Employer. From December 2007 to December 2009, I was working on L2 visa. Then from December 2009 to December 2012, I am H1 on visa. My H1 visa was renewed recently and it is valid till December 2015.

My husband is on valid H1 visa. Due to personal issues, I would like to resign from my job and go on H4 for couple of months. I want to give interviews early next year year and try to get a new job.

My questions are -

a) will going to H4 impact my chances of getting a new job? Please share your experience if you gone thru this route.

b) if I convert to H4 now and get a job early next year, will it be considered as H1 transfer or new H1? What is the timeframe for getting the H1 to join the new company?

Please share your thoughts on the above.

Thanks.

[pontevecchio]

a. It would depend opn your credentials. By itself going without a job for some time may not matter.

b. It is always a new H1 petition and you can get the remainder of your total of 6 years allowed in H1 status.