J2 visa to H1b

[Law11us]

I am currently on J2 visa and will be completing residency in 2014. My husband, who is on J1 will finish at the same time. While We were looking for jobs, I was told that J2 can no longer convert to H1b.

If that is true what are my options to continue working?

Can I still get H1b if I can get a sponsor/J1 waiver job.

Would appreciate any input. Thanks.

[jairichi]

Yes, you can convert J2 to H1B and work. If your employer is a for profit organization then they have to file a H1B (cap subject) petition for you in April 2014 and upon approval you can begin to work from October 1st 2014. If your employer is a non-profit organization they have a to file a H1B (cap exempt) petition anytime in the year and upon approval you can work immediately.

 

If you are subject to 2 years home residency requirement you have to obtain a waiver before applying for a H1B. Once a J1 waiver is obtained the petitioner has to switch to other work visa immediately after the last date of expiry in DS2019.