Hi I am on OPT & planning to apply for H1 visa this year. My OPT expires by Sep.30, 2008 and I will be applying for OPT extension as well.

1.Can I use my extended OPT, even after H1 approval? Ifso, till how long can I keep my H1 on hold (H1 NOT EFFECTIVE), while using OPT? I mean till how long can I stay on OPT after H1 approval?

2.Afte H1 approval, can I go back to school for Ph.D? If yes, do I need to convert my visa staus again (H1 to F1)? After Ph.D, will there be another chance of OPT? because I already used my OPT after Masters?

3. What is the procedure to keep my H1 on hold
a) if I want to work on OPT?
b) if I want to go to Ph.D school?

Please let me know the details.

Thanks,
SP