How to Change From F-1 Visa to H-1B Visa

Thinking about switching from an F-1 student visa to an H-1B work visa? Here’s a clear, straightforward guide to help you understand how the process works and what to expect along the way.

If you’re an international student in the USA on an F-1 visa, chances are you’ve already thought about what comes next after graduation. For many, the goal is to stay and work, turning that degree into real experience. The most common next step? Transitioning from an F-1 visa to an H-1B.

This isn’t an overnight change, and it does come with challenges. But with the right preparation and timing, it’s possible—and thousands of students successfully make this move every year. Here’s what you need to know.

Start with OPT: Your Post-Graduation Bridge

After you graduate, you’re eligible for a period called Optional Practical Training (OPT), which lets you work in your field for up to 12 months. If your major is in a STEM field, you can apply for a 24-month extension. OPT is more than just a chance to gain work experience—it’s often the critical window to find a job and an employer willing to sponsor your H-1B.

It’s a good idea to start job hunting early, preferably while you’re still in school. That gives you more time to land a job and make sure your employer is ready to sponsor you when the H-1B application season opens.

The H-1B: What It Is and Why It Matters

The H-1B visa is designed for foreign professionals in “specialty occupations”—jobs that require at least a bachelor’s degree. It allows you to live and work in the USA for up to three years, with the possibility of extending to six. However, it’s not unlimited. There’s an annual cap of 85,000 new H-1B visas, and demand far exceeds supply. That’s why there’s a lottery system involved.

Your employer must register you for the H-1B lottery, which usually happens in March. If you’re selected, your company can file the full petition with USCIS. If approved, your new status starts on October 1st.

What to Look for in an Employer

Not all companies are willing or able to sponsor H-1B visas. That’s why it’s important to ask about sponsorship early in the hiring process. Larger companies, tech firms, and hospitality groups with international staff are often more familiar with the process and more open to supporting visa transfers. If you’re applying through a university program or an internship, speak with your program advisors—they may already have partner employers who regularly hire international students.

Staying in the USA Without Leaving

If you're already living in the USA when your H-1B is approved, your employer can request a “change of status,” which means you don’t have to leave the country to activate your new visa. Your F-1 status must still be valid when this change is processed, so it's important to time things carefully, especially if your OPT is set to expire soon.

What If You’re Not Selected in the H-1B Lottery?

The reality is that many qualified applicants don’t get selected the first time around. That doesn’t mean your journey is over. You might still be eligible for a STEM OPT extension, which gives you another two years to work and try again. You could also look for work at a cap-exempt organization, like a university or research institution. Some students decide to pursue further studies to maintain their F-1 status while applying again in the future.

There are other visa paths too, like the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or the L-1 visa for internal company transfers. Each has its own requirements, but they’re worth exploring if you want to stay in the USA long-term.

Timing Matters

Here’s a rough timeline to keep in mind: You graduate and begin working under OPT. In the early part of the following year, typically March, your employer enters you into the H-1B lottery. If selected, your new status is filed and begins on October 1st. If you're not selected, your OPT time continues (if still valid), and you start planning your next steps.

StayLonger in the USA

Moving from an F-1 to an H-1B is a big transition, and while it involves careful planning and a bit of luck, it’s absolutely doable. Many international students take this path successfully every year. What matters most is staying informed, preparing early, and having a backup plan just in case things don’t go the way you hoped.

At StayLonger, we’re here to help break down the process so you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re fresh out of college or already working through OPT, understanding how the H-1B process works can help you make better decisions and take confident steps toward your future. Register here!