u/TAT12340

If someone from one of the restricted/banned countries is in the U.S. on J-1, has a J-1 waiver pending, and the employer files H-1B before the waiver is approved, does that help them stay in the U.S. legally if the J-1 expires first?

Or do they still need final USCIS approval of the J-1 waiver before there is any real protection?