Regarding H1 filing

Hello,

I am a recent graduate (F1 OPT). I am currently working in a company and have an offer from another employer starting August 2023. Both the employers submitted my name in the recent H1 lottery and got shortlisted in both. I am intersted in joining the prospective offer, and they are willing to file my H1 (all fees paid for) but I am scared their might be layoffs even after getting approved but not activating H1 status. On the other hand my current employer is asking me to pay for filing and I don’t see much future. Can they both submit H1? what are possible solutions for my case.

Thank you

If both companies are totally unrelated, they can file your H1B and if both are approved you can decide who to join however paying H1B filing fees is not legal.