Hi all,

I am on OPT and have H1B approval. i want to transfer (not the right term to use) my H1B to the new company. I was reading the post in this forum, and i understand that i can transfer the H1B before OCT 1st but it will not be a transfer, basically i have to file for a new H1B and since i have already counted against the quota, i will be exempt from the quota. Now my questios are

1. Is it safe to file for transfer before OCT 1st, what are the chances of getting denied by INS, since i am changing my employer without working with them.
2. If i file for transfer next week, can my present employer cancel the H1B petition. If yes will it affect the transfer process?
3. My previous H1B petition is based on my IT skills and this new job is in Mechanical (I have a master's degree for this from US), will that be an issue?