Converting H4 to H1B visa

[Tina Mehta]

I have two questions and would appreciate if someone could answer them for me...
1. How much time will it take to convert H4 to H1B after application is sent to INS.
2. Do I have to leave the country(US) to get the H1B stamped on the passport.
Thanks. [e-mail]

[Sanjay P Kumar]

1. It depends.If it premium , around 10 - 15 working days.
2. If this going to be your first H1 stamp , then you will to go out of the US for stamping.But H1 visa stamp on the passport( needed only for travelling to the US ) is not required to work here ( only h1 approval is required).
Please check with a lawyer for more details.
Good luck
Sanjay