General Nonimmigrant Visa

During the last three years on H-1B, I have spent approximately one year outside of the US (multiple visits to India). What is the procedure to recapture that time and add it back to my H-1B total time?

I am currently on a B2 status and waiting for PERM approval. I have extended my B2 once, and I still think I would need another six months until my perm and I140 get approved. I need your suggestion in making a decision:

Should I move to day 1 CPT OR extend my B2 for another six months?

Which one will be the best option so I don’t get any RFEs from USCIS in the future?

I have another question: My parents and brother have their B2 visa interview scheduled for May 31st. If they ask my parents about me, is it a good idea to mention my situation in the interview?

Scenario: Currently working for company A. Company B has filed H1B petition and gotten approval for Oct 1st start date. Unfortunately, Project with company B goes away before Oct 1 and company B doesn't revoke my visa before Oct 1st.

1) Since I will automatically move to H1B on Oct 1st and I don't have that project anymore, can I continue to work for my current employer using the new H1B visa? (What options I have if I want to use the new H1B visa and work for the same employer?)

2) In the same case, will company A be notified about my new H1B visa on Oct 1st?

3) Will company A have to rehire me for H-1B transfer? or can I continue to work with them while the transfer is pending?

4) How would it work if I find a new project through a new company C? Would they need to file for H-1B transfer as well ?

5) What info can USCIS ask for H-1B transfer in that case? What sort of RFEs may come up?

If EAD approval is delayed and the employment is no longer valid unless the EAD is received by USCIS, then the employer has to terminate the employee. Can the company send the employee on leave without pay temporarily until the EAD is received? Both can be done, and it is up to the company how they want to handle the case.

1) Is H1B cap-exempt to H1B lottery-based considered a change of status?

2) If I currently have an H1B cap-exempt visa and am filing for an H1B petition in June, when can I not travel outside of the US - from now to June, June to Petition Approval, or from Petition Approval to Oct ? My current H1B visa would be valid until Nov.

Case: Picked for H1B lottery.

- What happens if the company lays off after June but before October 1? Would I stay on my current visa status? Or will I be on H1B but with a 60-day timeline to find the next job?

- Does the status automatically change to H1B on Oct 1? or does immigration require paystubs for a couple of weeks to prove our employment?

- If I file the petition with two companies separately, how will immigration decide which one to approve? Will they approve both?

- Are there any travel restrictions from June to Sept