I have a masters degree from a US university and I have been working on OPT for last one year with a top academic institution as a research associate. My appointment here expires in few weeks and I wanted to move into the industry. I lost couple of job offers because I don't have any OPT left and the h1b has capped. I have enrolled in the PhD program in my old grad school in US. I haven't left the country since I came here. Would you suggest I use the CPT option to work and later wait for the company to apply h1b for me. I would appreciate any suggestions on this. Any other options would be very helpful too.

Thanks
daun2erth

If you are currently still in F-1 status, that is a very good way for you to remain in status while waiting to be able to switch to an H-1B.

I'm sure you are aware already - but it's also important to remind other the visitors to this forum - that you can file an H-1B petition up to 6 months before the starting date for the position, which means that an employer can file the petition now for an October 1 starting date.

My office has already filed many H-1B petitions for the next fiscal year, and I'd welcome the opportunity to assist you and your future employer. Please contact my office for more information and to begin work on your case.