Academic H1-B to non cap-exempt H1-B

[Satishroy]

I am currently on an academic H1-B. If an employer files for a cap-exempt H1-B for me, can I join them immediately, or do I have to wait until I get the receipt for the new application?

[JoeF]

Hmm, what now? non-cap-exempt, as your subject line says, or cap-exempt, as your text says?

If the new H1 falls under the cap, it is a bit complicated...

You can join the new employer with the receipt notice, BUT... When the new H1 is approved, you would have to stop working there, because the approval would come with a start date of Oct. 1.

So, you would either have to go back to your academic employer, or you would have to leave the country and come back close to Oct. 1.