H1b with Non-profit organization

[pingting43]

hello, my OPT extension expires end of June. The company I work for is a non-profit organization and they have agreed to sponsor my h1b. My understanding is that, h1b applied through non-profit organization doesn't count towards the cap and I should be eligible to apply anytime of the year. If my company applies within 30 days from now, how much time will it take for the whole process - h1 approval, start date etc? And can I get OPT cap-gap extension for non-profit visa also? If yes, how early should I apply for opt cap-gap extension?

A different unrelated question. One of my friend's OPT has expired last month. He has applied for both OPT extension and h1b. OPT extension process still shows as processing. He called the USCIS many times but they keep saying it is being processed. He hasn't heard anything about H1b lottery. My question is, can he continue working in his current job until a decision on OPT extension is received? If so, for how many days?

[JoeF]

A non-profit organization is not necessarily cap-exempt.

Only universities, non-profit research organizations affiliated with universities (e.g., university hospitals), and government research organizations are cap-exempt.