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Ask HN: how do I get an H1B visa and job in the US?

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Re: Ask HN: how do I get an H1B visa and job in the US?

#11

Post by justforthispost »

fourmii wrote: post #7

Not trying to put you off, but H1B's are so difficult, mainly due to the small number available each year. I got one year's ago, but I'm not a dev. As far as I know it's not too late, particularly if the hiring company uses lawyers who have good connections at the USCIS. If you're looking for dev jobs at companies that sponsor H1B, I noticed today in the Who's Hiring that some are offering H1B sponsorship. Good luck,…

Yes, I'm aware of the Who's Hiring thread. I sort of have an idea of what companies I want to apply to. I was more interested in other details. Thanks anyway.

There are no other kind of visa available to citizens of my country. Even the green card lottery isn't available to me (being vague to keep my anonymity, sorry).

Re: Ask HN: how do I get an H1B visa and job in the US?

#12

Post by justforthispost »

pbiggar wrote: post #2

Like many foreign founders in SF, I've become a bit of an expert on immigration, so I think I can answer all these for you. However, I would say that no matter what, you should talk to a good immigration lawyer. Contact me privately and I can intro you. Firstly, to clarify the process. You can actually prepare the docs and apply anytime, its just that there is a quota of 65,000 (+ 20000 extra if you have a Masters de…

Thank you for the detailed comments.

> For the past few years, the visas haven't run out until after October, so you can really apply anytime.

Well, last year it ran out in June. I was interviewing at an American company but we stopped the process because of that.

I'm aware of L1 but that would be extremely hard to pull off. I live in Japan (though not a Japanese citizen), and it's very hard enough to get a programming job at a good American company here in the first place. Mostly they hire in sales & bizdev etc, not much for software development. Then I would have to hope to be transferred. I have heard of companies hiring specifically to transfer but that's quite rare.

The other visas aren't available to citizens of my country (E3 etc), or I don't personally qualify to them (O1 etc).

2) and 3) are reassuring.

And yes, I'll be in touch!

Re: Ask HN: how do I get an H1B visa and job in the US?

#13

Post by justforthispost »

manishsharan wrote: post #8

Instead of trying to move to USA for a job and facing the H1-B cap and all the legal hassle, why don't you try Canada instead. There are no arbitrary Visa caps in Canada. It is easy to get immmigration once you have a job in Canada and generally you will find lots of software developer jobs in Canada.

I've considered that too. I'm sure Canada is great place to live, but IMO there aren't nearly as many "interesting" companies in Canada. Of course, "interesting" is subjective...

Re: Ask HN: how do I get an H1B visa and job in the US?

#15

Post by pbiggar »

justforthispost wrote: post #12
pbiggar wrote: post #2

Like many foreign founders in SF, I've become a bit of an expert on immigration, so I think I can answer all these for you. However, I would say that no matter what, you should talk to a good immigration lawyer. Contact me privately and I can intro you. Firstly, to clarify the process. You can actually prepare the docs and apply anytime, its just that there is a quota of 65,000 (+ 20000 extra if you have a Masters de…

Thank you for the detailed comments. > For the past few years, the visas haven't run out until after October, so you can really apply anytime. Well, last year it ran out in June. I was interviewing at an American company but we stopped the process because of that. I'm aware of L1 but that would be extremely hard to pull off. I live in Japan (though not a Japanese citizen), and it's very hard enough to get a programmi…

You didn't mention the J1, which is surprisingly versatile.

A first glance at the O1 makes people think they don't qualify. I would be surprised if anybody who can code has a less than 40% chance of getting the O1. I've seen it used for 17 year olds, people without degrees, etc.

Re: Ask HN: how do I get an H1B visa and job in the US?

#16

Post by justforthispost »

adamof wrote: post #14

Hey, could you point me to the website where you read about the dates connected with H1B? In particular I am interested in when is the earliest I can travel to the US if I apply in April 2013?

This mentions 2012 but I'm pretty sure it's the same thing every year:

http://www.workpermit.com/us/us_h1b.htm

Re: Ask HN: how do I get an H1B visa and job in the US?

#17

Post by narasimman »

justforthispost wrote: post #11
fourmii wrote: post #7

Not trying to put you off, but H1B's are so difficult, mainly due to the small number available each year. I got one year's ago, but I'm not a dev. As far as I know it's not too late, particularly if the hiring company uses lawyers who have good connections at the USCIS. If you're looking for dev jobs at companies that sponsor H1B, I noticed today in the Who's Hiring that some are offering H1B sponsorship. Good luck,…

Yes, I'm aware of the Who's Hiring thread. I sort of have an idea of what companies I want to apply to. I was more interested in other details. Thanks anyway. There are no other kind of visa available to citizens of my country. Even the green card lottery isn't available to me (being vague to keep my anonymity, sorry).

Hello,

Could you plz help me with the list of companies you have in mind to apply for ? I'm also looking for H1B. Thanks for any help. (narasi.mit@gmail.com)

Re: Ask HN: how do I get an H1B visa and job in the US?

#18

Post by cbulaw »

I am an attorney specializing in immigration and would like to give some inputs on applying for H-1B visa in the U.S..

First of all, it has never been too late to seek employment opportunities. If you do not win the lottery for H-1B, you may still be able to apply for a visa to come in and work for the company.

Second, once you have a job offer and the company is willing to sponsor you for H-1B visa, you should be able to get your H-1B visa approved if the job is within the categories of specialty occupation as defined by US immigration law and you have required academic degree for the job.

Third, if unfortunately you get laid off when you are on your H-1B status, you will need to find a new employer immediately and transfer your H-1B. If you fail to have a new company to file a transfer of H-1B or change your status to another non-immigrant visa category within a reasonable time (usually about 15 days after the last day of your employment with the previous employer), you will have to leave the country to avoid to overstay on your visa.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me at cbu@cbulaw.com.

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