H1B Visa Straight Talk by Matt Delany
Matt has 27 years in the immigration industry

The H1B visa program is dead !
well, no it's not really, but that's what many in the media, politics, anti-immigrant sites and a few outspoken Americans who don't really understand the value and benefits that immigrants contribute to the USA, try desperately to make you believe

When you cut through all bull**** out there, the H1B visa program is alive and kicking

Obviously, it's slower than 3 or 4 years ago, but it's still steady, and thousands have obtained sponsorship and been issued visas this year 

Unfortunately, the H1B visa program has been unadvertently mixed up in a lot press this year, some good, but mostly bad (and unjustified).

The US Government introduced 2 new regulations into the program: the Proof of Employer-Employee Relationship, and the recent Filing increase.

However, when you look closer, what the fine print states is that the filing increase ONLY affects and applies to companies IF over 50% of their US based workforce are currently on visas. If any company has over 50% of their employees on visas - they should have some form of extra restrictions placed on them!

Why... because these companies have been getting away with 'over-using' the program and snatching large %'s of the visa allocations each year, shutting out many smaller US founded companies that want the opportunity to obtain H1B visas - and restricting the opportunity for many people in professions outside the IT industry.

The new laws this year help to create a more equal playing field for everyone - and that is good news! 
 


Ironically this is one of the Best years to get an H1B visa

considering the economy, at first glance that sounds like a crazy statement ?

well here's a few facts to back it up:

- obtaining and H1B visa comes down to multiple issues of 'Supply versus Demand'
how many H1B visa are available that year
how many people are competing for those H1B visas
how many employers are recruiting for H1B workers
what methods and services do job seekers use to attempt to find jobs
how many other people are using the same methods and services to find jobs
(that's just to list a few main ones)


In good economies the higher demand for H1B visas creates a 'Lottery selection system', and it creates the need for a filing 'deadline' .

- this means that it's easier to find a job, but you have less time to do it, and it's harder to get issued an H1B visa

- with the last lottery selection a few years ago approximately 50% of people who obtained H1B jobs did Not actually get issued a visa


In tougher economies the lower demand eliminates the need for a lottery selection system, and eliminates the need for a filing deadline (like last year and this year)

- this means it's tougher to find a job, but you have more time to do it, and it's easier to get issued a visa

- with no lottery selection this year, it means everyone who gets an H1B job can get issued an H1B visa  
 


Don't waste time searching for a 100% cast-iron 'Guarantee'

it's the holy grail 'guarantee' that everyone seeks, but it doesn't and can never exist.

why... becuase there are too many variable factors involved in the emigration process, and every individual is at the center of it, and every individual is "individual".

Companies and Services can provide many added value benefits, but no company can 'realistically' guarantee you a job and a visa because they can't control 'all' the factors including: You, the employment market, the economy, and the immigration system.

Look for companies and services that can offer you the 'best opportunity' based on your personal circumstances. Look for companies that provide knowledgable support and experience to guide you. When you start going through the 'process' you will start to have more and more questions, you might get confused about what to do and when or how to do it - and their expertise and advice can often be crucial to your success

If you're serious about emigrating to the USA, real guarantees don't exist, but companies and services that increase your chances and provide a better opportunity do. You just need to take advantage of the one that best meets your personal goals