Is it possible?

And if it is - what is the process to change from F1 to H1B?

Thanks in advance.

SR

F1 -> H1B is through an employer. find a legit job first.

Please don't just throw random thoughts or ideas in here. There is a great website called Google.com. I guess you have heard about that.
Of Course F1 to H1b is possible and everybody do that.
All you need is a employer who can sponsor.
If you don't know how to type and how to search in google.com then just click this link
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=f1+to+h1b
lol

I know it is done through employer and that is why they have OPT. But F1 is meant for studies. So, I was wondering whether it is possible.

I have applied for a job right after my OPT expired. The position requirement completely matched my academic and research experiences. In addition - they were looking for someone to work on the same avian fauna that I researched on and use the same tools and techniques. So, I could not resist and applied. Some of my friends also advised me to go for it.

And when you fill out job application - you have to answer a question about eligibility. I wrote YES.

Today, they contacted me for phone interview and now I have questions ending in IF's.

Thanks for the sarcasm and cynicism  - sajhamitra. Btw, its not a random question - it is abt a man's career. I checked USCIS website - doesn't say much abt F1 and H1B. It talks abt OPT etc.

All I wanted to know is the employer has to contact the USCIS and let them know they need the person for that particular job.

And all I have to tell the employer is CONTACT USCIS or...

 

I was under the impression that only under OPT that you can apply or get hired for a job.

Thanks for googling Sajhamitra. I am printing it and pasting on the wall and keep on applying for jobs now. I had stopped looking for sometime now. Will resume.

Snowdriver.
.Please help me understand your situation better so I can be of any help..you said you applied for a job right after you OPT expired..so I am guessing you took an OPT after a degree..used it and then went back to school. Is that correct..??
If that is the case, what most people do is apply for a CPT (which is cirricular practical training) and can be actually taken in your first semester if you are a graduate student. Here is what www.ice.gov website says about CPT : 
"When you enroll at the graduate level, your designated school official (DSO) may authorize CPT during your first semester if your program requires this type of experience.  Ask your DSO for details." 

http://www.ice.gov/sevis/practical-training/

Now some schools might not be willing to give you CPT right away but you just have to talk to them about the situation and get their help. I have found most school officers very helpful about this.

Now, also be careful that H1B visa (which your employer sponsors) has an annual cap and this years cap has been met. Which means next year's visa applications will only begin in April-2013. So talk to your school and see if you can get a CPT for that long as this year's H1B visa caps have been met. (the only exception to this is if your job is in non-profit or education or government sectors , where the visa cap doesn't apply)

I hope this information helps.

Good Luck

Thank you so much Big.

Yes, I did get OPT after I graduated and used it but could not fully utilize it due to family problems. Now, I am back to school getting different degree (Associate Degree). However, this degree would bolster my existing skills.

My would be (crossing my fingers and toes) employer is a University and from what you wrote/said the H1B cap won't apply here - Please confirm again. Cause I am aware of the 85,000 cap that's already been usurped.

I will talk to the school for CPT.

Thanks again but reconfirm what you wrote abt H1b not applicable to government and education sectors..

Snowfed..
      I am myself employed at a university and if they can employ you the H1B cap doesn't apply to you. I am pretty sure about this. However for your convinience, here is a text i got fom online :

"The second class of exemptions are H1B cap exempt petitioners. The cap does not apply to certain applicants filing for H1B visas through institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, and government research organizations. Many foreign nationals are not aware that a qualified institution of higher education or research non-profit organization is exempt from the H1B cap and can sponsor an H1B visa any time of the year (and at a lower filing cost). Let’s take a closer look at which institutions qualify for the H1B cap-exempt status."

and here is the link

http://www.visapro.com/Immigration-Articles/?a=1090&z=48

however, if you google H1B exempt , there is plenty of material on this online. The bottom line is , if youe employer is an non-profit registered organozation, you are cap exempt.

Further, since its a university, you might not even need a CPT at all..ask them to file for H1B directly and wait until it gets approved (usually 2 weeks)..however I would ask school for CPT just incase. I mentioned this so if school says no to CPT, you can still ask your employer to file an H1B for you. It is just a simple status change from F1 to H1B

Cannot thank you enough ...Big.

I have checked the link and feel quite optimistic now. Cause for a while, I thought my skills and knowledge would just go wasted.

You are most welcome boss.good luck..!!!