OPT start date, transition to H1-B

[roosebolton99]

Hello everyone! I am a current 4th year USMD, hoping to match next month. I am working on processing my OPT but I had a question about the start dates. So I know residency programs typically will have an orientation starting in mid to late June, so I was planning to put my start date as June 15th 2025. My plan is to transition to an H1-B for PGY-2. However, it seems that OPT can only cover 365 days, so there would be a gap between June 15 and July 1, 2026. Has anyone been in a similar position and what did they do in this context? Were you able to get your H1B to start before July 1 of your PGY-2 year?

Thanks!

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[NotAProgDirector]

You've posted before that you're applying to IM. In that case, the IM program will apply for the H1b during your intern year. You'll transition to the H1b before your OPT expires, and there will be no gap.

Where it really gets tricky is if you're applying to a field that has advanced and prelim spots. Then, you need to maximize the chance of getting both at the same institution. if you end up with just a prelim spot somewhere, they may, or may not, apply for an H1b for you.

 

[roosebolton99]

Yes you’re right I applied IM. Thanks so much for your response, it’s super helpful!