H1 to H4 and back to H1 change of status

[amuda2010]

I was holding an H1 and residing in the US. I switched to H4 to take a sabbatical from work for a few months during which I travelled India. I got H4 visa stamped. Now while I’m back in the US, I want to start looking for the project. Once I start the project, within how much time I should apply for COS ? Can I start working while on H4 status and then apply for COS ?

[t75]

You may not begin working without a current H1B I094 in your hand. You may NOT start working on H4 unless you want BIG problems. Since you have been on H1B before, you should be familiar with the regulations governing the program and known that this was a really stupid question.

[wiweq]

You cannot work on H4. Once H1b is approved with COS, you are ready to work.