Can I extend my OPT if my H1B is approved (applied under consular notification).
I plan to spend not more than 3 years in US, my thought process is I would rather save on taxes for another year and then get H1B stamping. Thoughts?
Yes..you can activate your h1b whenever u want within the validity date..however make sure your company green card process is not dependent on h1b
One of my classmates had troubles doing this. His opt extension got rejected. he had a h1b approved petetion at that time. I do not know the exact specifics but he had to leave us and get stamped on an emergency basis which sounds stress. Would make sure you get correct legal advice before filing for an extension.
Has anyone done this?
I have. My last employer applied for consular h1b while i was on opt. Got opt extended without any problems. 6 months or so after extension, went to home country and activated h1b. However, during the time i was on opt so i lost a couple of job offers since an unactivated h1b cannot be transfered to another employer.
You don't save taxes on student visa. It's BS.
Don't have to pay FICA
And how much is that per year? You can't file 1040 form. You will have to file 1040NR which eventually leads to much more higher tax. FICA is negligible as compared to this..