My case in brief:
I am currently of F1 OPT (STEM), valid until 15th June 2023.
My company will be filing for H1B this March.
However, I am wondering if I should be filing for an H4 visa simultaneously.
Could you tell me how long it takes for an H4 visa and an h4 EAD to process?
If I file for an H4 visa in February, would I lose my f1 visa as soon as the h4 visa is approved?
Is there any new policy where I can get h4EAD sooner? And moved my F1 EAD to h4 EAD without any employment gap?
Should I wait for the h1b result before applying for an h4 visa?
What is the best scenario to switch from F1 OPT EAD to h4 EAD, without/minimum employment gap?
If you have been selected in the lottery, you will get a cap gap extension. If you do not get selected in the lottery, then obviously you have to go to H-4, you have plenty of time to figure that out. As soon as the change of status is approved, you lose your F-1. Premiuming through your husband would be great if that works for you.