Hello
Since my case is quite specific and I did not find an exact answer, I decided to post a question. Here is the deal - I entered the States in September 2008 on a J1 visa valid for 18 months. A few months into my employment, my employer agreed to apply for the H1B on my behalf, we applied and everything was ok, even got the receipt number back from USCIS.
Now it gets complicated...due to the economy and other complications, I was let go by that employer. I knew about the 30 day grace period so I used 2 weeks of that to find new employment but couldn't so I applied for a change of status from J1 to B2. My J1 expired a couple of weeks after that and now I no longer have the J1 status.
Will the change of status that I applied for effect my H1B application?
Will I be given the H1B even though I no longer work for that employer?
If I find a new employer, can I transfer my H1B to that employer?
Am I technically out of status because my J1 expired or can I stay here legally until I receive an answer on my change of status to B2?
I am a Brazilian passport holder if that helps and I am not subject to the 2 year rule.
Any help and advise that you can give me will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.

