L1 to F1-OPT-H1

[mithunmohann]

Hello,

I find this forum very helpful. I worked with L1 visa (for 8 months) and then successfully changed my status to F1. While on F1, I haven't visited India for stamping. I am near the end of my graduation now and in the process of applying for an OPT. The company which offered me a job agreed to sponsor me a H1 visa.

Here are my questions:

1. When my H1 status is accepted in the future, would I potentially face any issues while I try and get my H1 visa stamped in India (for not getting my F1 visa stamped)?

2. When I am on my OPT, could I travel to India? By this time, I would have already graduated and trying to get F1 visa stamped while on OPT. Could there be any unhappy consequences because of this?

Looking forward your reply. Appreciate your help!

[wiweq]

1. When my H1 status is accepted in the future, would I potentially face any issues while I try and get my H1 visa stamped in India (for not getting my F1 visa stamped)?

=> Because you stayed in USA during all of your F1 time, no stamping needed for you. Stamping is only needed if you leave USA. Not leaving USA has never been any issue.

2. When I am on my OPT, could I travel to India? By this time, I would have already graduated and trying to get F1 visa stamped while on OPT. Could there be any unhappy consequences because of this?

=> Getting F1 stamping during OPT is tricky as the primary motive of F1 visa is completed. Avoid it.