Dr. William:

I am in F-1 status in an university located in LA, and I am not using my practical training period. May I obtain H-1B status directly?

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A:

Yes. A practical training period is not a prerequisite to obtaining H-1B status. However, practical training is preferred over an H-1B petition because of its status duration.

An H status holder is limited to a maximum stay of six years at a time, whereas an F-1 status holder is allowed to remain in the U.S. for as long as he is enrolled as a full-time student in an educational program and making normal progress toward completing his courses of study.