H1B to F1 to H1B

[vxgokulvx]

I was on H1b during the period 2006 - 2009 (3.5 years used up).

Then I joined USC (University of Southern California) for masters and since then (2009) I was on F1 and then F1 OPT.

My F1 OPT STEM extension will expire in Nov 2013.

Now, I want to go back to H1B,

will I be able to reclaim the remaining 2.5 years on my first H1B?

Or will have to stay out of the country for a year and apply new one?

[wiweq]

You will get 2.5 years on your H1b. No need to go abroad, no need to wait for Oct 1st.

[r_max9]

You only need to stay out once you have utilized your 6 years. You can start your H1B whenever you find an employer. You also do not fall under the cap of yearly H1B allocations.

[pontevecchio]

You can reclaim the 2.5 years.

[vxgokulvx]

Thank you all for the unanimous answer. It means a lot!