Can an F-1 Student change his status after finishing a Bachelor degree to H1 visa and get permanent residence?

Question

Can an F-1 Student change his status after finishing a Bachelor degree to H1 visa and get permanent residence?

Answer 1

Not usually. You can see if an employer will sponsor you for a green card but that is rare. They really don't need to sponsor a worker when they can just take in another H1b holder. A H1b visa is also a temporary visa and when it expires you have to return home.

(My answer is based on the fact you stated you want permanent residence, You can't get that with a H1b)

So you need to leave upon the completion of your studies and then apply for an immigration type visa.

Answer 2

If you can find a company that is willing to hire you and get the H1B visa for you, then, yea, you can stay.

The next drawing for the 2010 H1B visas will be in April of 2009.  The 2009 H1B visa quota is full.