@slash: they said its a seperate check, but they ARE gonna issue it during the gap period. i was thinking i would cash it only after October. i wouldnt mind not working, but the company i work for is pretty small (only 6 people) and they really do need me to work during that time. they know they cant force me to, so they are offering me a couple of weeks of paid vacation during this time. i too feel bad not working and leaving my boss to do all the stuff by himself. i said i'd volunteer to work a 3-4 days every week, but they wanted to pay me anyways. so.... @hushpuppy thanks for the 'upliftment'. but the thing is, my OPT is already expired. hehe. and yes, i learned the hard way that you DO NOT require a lawyer for the H1 filing process. paisa matrai khayo mero.