Conversion of F-1 Option Practical Training to H-1B Visa Status
Foreign students in the US pursuant to F-1 visas are entitled to 12 months of Optional Practical Training upon the completion of their course of study. They are able to work for any employer in the US as long as the employment is related to their course of study. More on student visas.

Students pursuing Optional Practical Training will be provided with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the INS, which is valid for 12 months. Once the 12 month period is expired, the student is no longer eligible to work in the US unless their visa status is changed to another type of nonimmigrant visa. More on EADs

If an employer would like to continue the employment of the candidate beyond the 12 month period, the employer will have to sponsor the employee for a nonimmigrant visa, most likely an H-1B visa.

H-1B visas are available to foreign nationals who will be employed in professional positions in the US. INS regulations indicate that a professional position is one that requires the attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree (or its equivalent) in the specific profession as the minimum for entry into the field. Persons entering United States on an H-1B visa are eligible to remain in the U.S. for a maximum of six years. More on H-1Bs