I am new to the united states currently pursuing MS in computer science degree. I am very conscious about my future, so I would appreciate the help from people who are veteran in US jobs.
1) What would be the hurdles if some company is ready to sponsor for H1 for a new student in F1 status? What are the consequences.
2) If someone get H1 while persuing the master degree in F1 status and doesnot complete the degree program, then what consequences will arise later about the immigration when moving in and out of the country? I heard for such people its difficult to get back in once they leave the country. How true is it? Is it wise to jump to H1 without completing the degree on F1?

Thanks in advance for the your suggestion

IF YOU R GETTING A GOOD JOB OFFER, U CAN CHANGE STATUS FROM F-1 TO H-1 ONCE THE QUOTE IS AVAILABLE WHICH IS APRIL1, 2007. THIS IS THE FAIREST AND THE EASIEST PROCESS. U DONT HAVE TO WORRY EVEN 1%.

"U DONT HAVE TO WORRY EVEN 1%. " , i like that, hahahahah

dltaimpulse,
process from F1 to H1 is pretty smooth. Depends on employer though. if they want you badly they will do evereything for you and you dont need to be in the loop after u submit your document to the lawyer.
watch out for desi consultancy co's i heard lot of stories about them.. so, instead of working for them try getting into a Company as regular employee.
there are many threads in sajha dedicated to question like yours. They might be helpful..

Have a good 1 !

I agree with everyone's post. Just trying reinforce their comments that it is not a risky or illegal thing. You wont have problem getting in and out of the country if you have a legitimate job and H1. Make sure that you are still in school until your H1 is filed. If you are thinking of switching to H1 this year, its too late. Your company won't be able to file it for you until April 1st. Then it will go on effect October 1st 2007.
keep these dates in mind and try to be in school at least until May/June next year. Then you can take the fall semester off and switch to H1.

Actually a company seems to sponsor me next year. But I am pursuing degree in the other city. So, I am planning to leave this place and move to the city where the company is and where my relatives are. Currently I do not have the work eligibility as its just 2 months of stay in united state.
Do you have any idea if a master student can switch to certificate courses and yet maintian the in-status? Just as Bostongirl said, I would like to maintain in-status with F1 visa student but would like to switch to certificate program and process for H1 the next year. What would you suggest?

PS: Here, Certificate Course in Computer Science is something like a preparatory course for master degree.

thank you for your response.

There is no point switching to a certification course at this point. From your post, it looks like this is your first semester in school so you should continue with the program for at least this semester. After december/january, you can transfer to the city that your company is located and where your relatives live but please please make sure that you are still enrolled as a full time student. Continue the masters program as usual but make sure you take courses that would count towards certification course (while still maintaining your full time masters status). In May, you will have about 18 credits done which means you might be eligible for certification.
You get the point...you 'pretend' to be a full time masters degree candidate for visa purposes, but actually aiming for certification so that you can start working full time by next october.
One question, why are you in such a hurry to work?? This is only my suggestion, you dont have to listen to me...but if you are going to finish 2 semesters of masters...aren't you better off finishing the entire degree in three semesters? It is possible, I have done the same thing. Once you are done with school in December, the company will file for your H1 under a special quota reserved for students with masters degree from US. That way, you have your masters degree as well as H1.
Just a thought..think about the long term...you just got here, so dont rush into anything. A proper degree is always worth more than a certification.
Good luck

Thank you! Bostongirl.
I really appreciate your suggestion.

May I know if I take an online degree course, will it maintin my in-status? I am thinking of transferring to online masters degree course provided it will maintin my instatus.

Any suggestions will be highly appreciated