Change of Status Archives - VisaNation Law Group

Change of Status

Must-Know Facts

  • BREAKING NEWS: USCIS has confirmed the FY 2025-2026 H-1B visa cap is officially met — no second lottery will be held. If you weren’t selected, you may still have a few alternatives available. However, time is of essence — talk to an experienced immigration attorney today.
  • To switch from a J-1 visa to an H-1B, you must start the H-1B process from the beginning.
  • The H-1B lottery is crucial for switching from J-1 to H-1B status.
  • If your petition is selected in the lottery, you can start working as an H-1B employee no earlier than October 1st of that year.
  • The J-1 visa and H-1B visa have pros and cons, so carefully consider your options before applying.

Change of Status Articles

  • J-1 to H-1B Visa

    J-1 to H-1B Visa

    Published on June 30, 2025

    The J-1 and H-1B visas are both temporary nonimmigrant visas that allow foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. However, their similarities end there. The J-1 is based on programs, while the H-1B uses employers as sponsors. There is a limited list of occupations that qualify for the J-1, while the H-1B allows…

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  • B-1 to H-1B Transfer

    B-1 to H-1B Visa Transfer

    Published on May 09, 2025

    Overview Many B-1 visa holders wish to transfer their status to the H-1B category. A B-1 visa is for temporary business visitors who intend to participate in business activities that are commercial or professional. These may include: Consultations with business associates Negotiating contracts Settling estates Participating in training sessions It’s important to be clear that…

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  • checking uscis case status and processing time 2023 cover photo

    Are You Checking USCIS Case Status and Processing Times Accurately in 2025?

    Published on March 27, 2025

    So you’ve completed all the necessary paperwork, settled the fees, acquired your USCIS receipt number, and now the anticipation sets in. The waiting game begins, accompanied by potential backlogs, government hitches, and evolving regulations. While this waiting period can be stressful, a reliable way to alleviate the tension is by understanding how to understand your…

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  • L-1 to H-1B Change of Status 2023

    L-1 to H-1B Change of Status

    Published on March 05, 2024

    Often foreign professionals find themselves in the United States on an L-1 visa and weighing the pros of converting to an H-1B visa for its multitude of benefits. Having an L-1 visa can be highly advantageous to you if you work for a multinational company however many circumstances may cause you to need to change…

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  • B2 to H1B visa change of status

    B-1/B-2 to H-1B Change of Status

    Published on September 25, 2022

    Faced with the difficulty of finding an H-1B sponsor from abroad, individuals frequently inquire as to how they can change their status from B-2 to H-1B or from B-1 to H-1B from within the United States. B-1 and B-2 visas are non-immigrant visas issued to foreign nationals visiting the United States for short periods, usually…

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  • OPT Cap-Gap Rule

    OPT Cap-Gap Rule for F-1 Students Obtaining H-1B Petitions

    Published on March 09, 2022

    If you are an international student on F-1 status and recently graduated, you may be applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a 24-month STEM extension, or an H-1B visa. However, you may not know what to do if your OPT authorization (F-1 work permit) expires before your H-1B employment period begins on October 1. The OPT…

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