US Immigration Attorney Chris M. Ingram Talks About H-1B Visas for Skilled Workers and Graduate Professionals *
– Welcome
– Skilled Workers and Graduates Professionals
– Fiancée and Marriage Visas
– EB1 Green Cards for Top Professionals
– E2 Treaty Investor Visas
– Comprehensive Immigration Reform Update
H1-B Skilled Workers and Graduate Professionals:
The most popular visa for skilled workers is the H-1B visa. The H-1B enables US employers to hire aliens without regard as to whether there are US citizens available and willing to do the job. For many companies being free to hire whom ever they want promotes cultural diversity of ideas and this is a key component to enable larger companies to compete internationally. The H-1B has therefore been a staple of the US Immigration menu of options.
The H-1B is numerically capped because unless there was a cap multinational companies would be tempted to try and source “cheap” labor and just relocate them in on mass. Such actions would certainly create a backlash within various US communities. Therefore Congress set the numerical limit H-1B to 65,000 per year. This is a surprisingly low number and in years past during the economic boom companies would blow through this amount in days and in 2007: 200,000 H-1B applications were submitted within the first week of April. Today, the picture is completely different. You can monitor the availability of H-1B visas by going to H-1B Count. As at June 18th 2010 the count was 22,900. Considering that the H-1B count started April 2010 the pace of take up suggests that H-1B visa could be available until the end of the year.
In previous years it could be argued that it was the larger multinational companies that would hog the bulk of the H-1B visas leaving small companies with no other options. Thus as the larger companies have been hit hardest by the recession this has enabled smaller companies and many individuals to get a look in. I guess what I’m trying to say here is that skilled and graduates workers now have a great opportunity to come over on extended holidays to look for a job knowing that if they’re successful in their search there is an H-1B visa waiting for them. All they have to do is keep an eye on the H-1B count.
Keeping the playing level is very important. When US employers are looking to hire people they want to know a few basic things such as can you do the job, can they afford you and when can you start. Employers don’t want to be confronted with if I chose this alien how much more is it going to cost in lawyer fees and do they even have time to be bothered with all the red tape, when perhaps a less qualified American can start tomorrow. Faced with this everyday reality you have to be creative in keeping the playing field at least level if not tip the field to your advantage. Here are some practical suggestions: –
… Any chance you get to jump on a plane to meet a prospective employer face to face take it. You can make a far better impression in person than you can on paper. Put it another way, an employer can dismiss a c.v. / résumé quite easily because there is absolutely no emotional connection. However, a great impression made in person could make all the difference and change your life.
…Tell the US employer that you’ll cover any and all legal fees in full because you want to be considered like any other American.
…Be prepared to think long term and perhaps negotiate at a slightly less remuneration package than you’d otherwise accept in your home country. Secure the job first, work hard and prove yourself, the increase in pay will come.
…Be prepared to look for ways to settle for less than perfect conditions so that you can at least get in the door and compete.
…Sometimes aliens forget that companies are looking to save money every way they can and so have unrealistic expectations and lose any opportunity.
The more motivated you are and demonstrate a ‘can do anything’ attitude the more you will motivate the employer give you a chance.
Please contact me and keep me in the loop as to your H-1B plans. Other useful links are: –
– O*Net – Job and Pay Scale Classification website –
– Check out my guide on how to search O*Net –
Good luck!!!!
US Immigration Attorney Chris M Ingram
H-1B and H-2B Visa Specialist
Chris M. Ingram LL.M., ESQ – Immigration Attorney
Admitted in New York.
Practice Specializing in US Immigration Law
520 Broadway, Suite 350,
Santa Monica,
California 90401
Tel: 310 496 4292
Everyday the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram provides a comprehensive range of US Immigration expertise. We also provide a free consultation for our prospective clients.
MG
General Location: Santa Monica , Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Serving all 50 States
Copyright 2010
Please note that nothing contained in this website or link therefrom shall be regarded as providing legal advice. Please contact us directly for legal advice specific to your situation. Thank You.
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