If I file H-1B, can I start working under work status right away?
After getting a job through OPT, if I file H-1B, I’d like to know if I can start working under work status right away.
I’ve heard that if you file in April and it’s approved, you can start working from October — is this different depending on the occupation?
Generally, you’re expected to start on October 1st. However, if your OPT hasn’t expired yet and remains valid, you can continue working at that company right away, regardless of when H-1B is filed. If OPT expires in the meantime, you would need to stop working and then resume on October 1st once H-1B is approved.